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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