Definition for DCE and DTE.

Document: 10117

Category: General Information

Date Posted: 09/07/12

Problem

What is DCE and DTE mean?

Solution

DCE is an abbreviation for Data Circuit Terminating Equipment. Carrier equipment, installed at the user's premises that provides all the functions required to establish, maintain, and terminate a connection, and which provides the signal conversion and coding between the data terminal equipment and the common carrier's line.

DTE is an abbreviation for Data Terminal Equipment. The end-user machine, be it terminal, computer, controller, etc., that plugs into a unit that is the termination point of a communications circuit (DCE).

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