thumb|The [[Digital Equipment Corporation|DEC VT100, a widely emulated computer terminal]]

thumb|DCE and DTE network.

Data terminal equipment (DTE) is an end instrument that converts user information into signals or reconverts received signals. It is also called data processing terminal equipment

D-sub connectors follow another rule for pin assignment.

  • 25-pin DTE devices transmit on pin 2 and receive on pin 3.
  • 25-pin DCE devices transmit on pin 3 and receive on pin 2.
  • 9-pin DTE devices transmit on pin 3 and receive on pin 2.
  • 9-pin DCE devices transmit on pin 2 and receive on pin 3.

Networking

A general rule is that DCE devices provide the clock signal (internal clocking) and the DTE device synchronizes on the provided clock (external clocking).

This term is also generally used in the Telco and Cisco equipment context to designate a network device, such as terminals, personal computers, but also routers and bridges, that is unable or configured not to generate clock signals. Hence, a direct PC to PC Ethernet connection can also be called a DTE to DTE communication. This communication is done via an Ethernet crossover cable as opposed to a PC to DCE (hub, switch, or bridge) communication, which is done via an Ethernet straight cable.

V.35 is a high-speed serial interface designed to support both higher data rates and connectivity between DTEs (data-terminal equipment) or DCEs (data-communication equipment) over digital lines.

See also

  • Communication endpoint
  • Data circuit-terminating equipment
  • End system
  • Federal Standard 1037C, MIL-STD-188
  • Host (network)
  • Node (networking)
  • Terminal (telecommunication)
  • Serial port, in-depth description of pinouts

References

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  • Internetworking Technology Handbook, Frame Relay, Cisco Systems