What is the difference between STS3 (signal) and STS3c (payload)?

STS3 (signal) refers to the SONET digital transmission signal rate, while STS3c (payload) is the concatenated payload container providing a single contiguous transport channel within that signal.

Why is the conversion factor greater than 1 for STS3 to STS3c?

Because STS3c accounts for the contiguous payload capacity, which slightly differs due to SONET framing and overhead bytes included in STS3 (signal).

Can this conversion be used for provisioning leased lines?

Yes, it helps estimate the usable bandwidth for leased-line services at 155.52 Mbps typically used by enterprises and ISPs.

Convert STS3 (signal) to STS3c (payload) - Online Data Transfer Unit Converter

Easily convert data transfer rates from STS3 (signal) to STS3c (payload) using our online unit converter. Understand the relationship between SONET synchronous transport signals and payload container capacities.

STS3 (signal)

STS3c (payload)

Please check your input. It must be a valid numeric value.

STS3 (signal) to STS3c (payload) Conversion Table

STS3 (signal)	STS3c (payload)

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Start Value

Enter the starting number (positive decimal or integer ≥ 0). Example: 0.1, 1, 5.

End Value

Enter the ending number (positive decimal or integer > Start Value). Example: 10, 50, 100.

Interval

Enter the step size (positive decimal > 0 and < End Value – Start Value). Example: 1.0, 2.5.

STS3 (signal) to STS3c (payload) Conversion Table
STS3 (signal)	STS3c (payload)

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What Is This Tool?

This converter helps transform values from STS3 (signal), a SONET digital transmission rate, into STS3c (payload), the concatenated payload container rate used in optical transport networks. It highlights the correlation between synchronous transport signals and their usable payload capacities.

How to Use This Tool?

Enter the value in STS3 (signal) units you want to convert
Select STS3 (signal) as the input unit and STS3c (payload) as the output unit
Click on the convert button to see the equivalent STS3c (payload) value
Use the results to better understand synchronous optical transmission payload capacity

Key Features

Browser-based and easy-to-use interface for quick conversions
Supports STS3 (signal) and STS3c (payload) data transfer units
Provides conversion based on the standardized SONET relationships
Includes example conversions for reference

Examples

1 STS3 (signal) converts to approximately 1.0345 STS3c (payload)
10 STS3 (signal) converts to approximately 10.3448 STS3c (payload)

Common Use Cases

Designing and managing SONET/SDH optical network backbones
Provisioning leased lines at 155.52 Mbps for enterprises and ISPs
Transporting multiple DS1/DS3 or Ethernet circuits across synchronous networks
Carrying high-bandwidth client signals such as ATM or frame relay in contiguous payloads

Tips & Best Practices

Verify input values match the synchronous transport signal rate for accurate conversion
Understand that STS3c represents the usable payload accounting for network overhead
Use conversions to estimate usable bandwidth on optical links
Consider network equipment and conditions that may slightly affect payload capacity

Limitations

STS3c usable payload is slightly lower than the gross line rate due to SONET overhead
Conversion rates may vary with different network implementations and equipment
This tool does not account for variations caused by network conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between STS3 (signal) and STS3c (payload)?: STS3 (signal) refers to the SONET digital transmission signal rate, while STS3c (payload) is the concatenated payload container providing a single contiguous transport channel within that signal.
Why is the conversion factor greater than 1 for STS3 to STS3c?: Because STS3c accounts for the contiguous payload capacity, which slightly differs due to SONET framing and overhead bytes included in STS3 (signal).
Can this conversion be used for provisioning leased lines?: Yes, it helps estimate the usable bandwidth for leased-line services at 155.52 Mbps typically used by enterprises and ISPs.

Key Terminology

STS3 (signal): A SONET digital transmission signal with a line rate of 155.52 Mbps used to transport multiple lower-rate channels.
STS3c (payload): The concatenated payload container in SONET providing a single contiguous transport channel at roughly 155.52 Mbps.
SONET: Synchronous Optical Networking, a standardized digital communication protocol used to transmit multiple signals over optical fiber.

Quick Knowledge Check

What does STS3c (payload) represent in SONET networks?

The raw optical signal rate

A contiguous payload container for client signals

A multiplexed signal of lower-level channels

Why is the usable payload of STS3c slightly lower than STS3 (signal)?

Due to equipment failures

Due to SONET framing and overhead bytes

Because STS3c combines multiple signals

What is a common use of these conversions?

Designing wireless networks

Managing SONET-based leased lines

Calculating satellite uplink rates

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