Data Terminal Equipment (DTE):
Data Terminal Equipment is equipment which acts as source or
destinations in digital communication and which is capable of
converting information to signals and also reconverting
received signals.
Pieces of data terminal equipment usually do not communicate
between each other, which is usually done by data
communications equipment. Common examples of data
terminal equipment: printers, routers, application servers etc.
Features of Data Terminal Equipment:
• With the help of link protocol, provides the data
communication control function to the digital data
communication.
• It can be single piece equipment or multiple pieces
interconnected to perform the required functions.
• In most communications, data terminal equipment is the
terminal.
• One of the key differences between data terminal
equipment and data communications equipment is in the
manner the connectors are wired.
• The universal asynchronous receiver transmitter in data
terminal equipment performs error detection and clocking.
Error detection helps in ensuring the data sent is free of
corruption. Clocking helps in ensuring the data is sent at
the right rate of receiving at the destination.
• In most cases, data terminal equipment is a device which
uses serial transmission to transmit data, which is done
with help of the serial port in the device. It usually
implements a male connector.
• To connect a data terminal equipment to a communication
link, data communication equipment needs to be used.
Data Communications Equipment (DCE):
Data communications equipment (DCE) refers to computer
hardware devices used to establish, maintain and terminate
communication network sessions between a data source and its
destination. DCE is connected to the data terminal equipment
(DTE) and data transmission circuit (DTC) to convert
transmission signals.
IT vendors may also refer to data communications equipment
as data circuit-terminating equipment or data carrier
equipment.
A modem is a typical example of data communications
equipment. In general, data communications equipment is
used to perform signal exchange, coding and line clocking
tasks as a part of intermediate equipment or DTE.
Some additional interfacing electronic equipment may also be
needed to pair the DTE with a transmission channel or to
connect a circuit to the DTE. DCE and DTE are often confused
with each other, but these are two different device types that
are interlinked with an RS-232 serial line.
DTE and DCE connectors are wired differently if a single
straight cable is employed. DCE generates internal clock
signals, while DTE works with externally provided signals.
Without employing a modem, the DCE and DTE can be
connected through a crossable cable medium like a null modem
for Ethernet or typical RS-232 serial line. Many modems are
DCE, while the computer terminal is DTE.
Differences between DCE and DTE:
DTE DCE
1. DTE is an abbreviation of 'Data 1. DCE is an abbreviation of 'Data Circuit
Terminal Equipment' or 'Data Terminal Equipment' or 'Data
Terminating Equipment' Communication Equipment'.
2. It is a device that either works 2. It is a device that is used for
as a source and destination. transmitting digital data.
3. This equipment connects 3. This equipment acts as an
through the DCE (Data intermediary between the two networks
Communication Equipment) of DTE.
network.
4. Its devices produce the data and 4. Its devices convert the signals to the
transfer the data to DCE. transmission medium and introduce it
onto the telecommunication or network
line.
5. Computers, printers, FAX, and 5. Modem, satellites, and ISDN adaptors
routers are some examples of DTE are some examples of DCE devices
devices.
Modem
Modem is a device that enables a computer to send or receive
data over telephone or cable lines. The data stored on the
computer is digital whereas a telephone line or cable wire can
transmit only analog data.
The main function of the modem is to convert digital signal into
analog and vice versa. Modem is a combination of two devices
− modulator and demodulator. The modulator converts digital
data into analog data when the data is being sent by the
computer. The demodulator converts analog data signals into
digital data when it is being received by the computer.
Types of Modem
There are three types of modems: cable, digital
subscriber line (DSL) and dial-up. A cable modem uses
coaxial cables that connect to the back of the modem
and the bolt-like outlet in your wall or on your cable
box. This type of modem delivers high speed internet
to your device.
DSL and dial-up modems use a cable that connects to
your phone line. DSL, however, still allows you to use
your landline telephone while connected to the
internet.
Fiber-optic technology doesn’t require a modem for its
Internet service.
Advantages of the modem:
• More useful in connecting LAN with the internet
• Speed depends on the cost
• Slow speed when compared to the hub
• A limited number of a system can be connected
• A modem is most probably widely used in data
communication roadway
• A modem converts that the digital signal into an
analog signal.
Disadvantages of the modem:
• Acts just as an interface between LAN and internet
• No traffic maintenance is present
• A modem is not understood the intermediate process
• The modem does not know about the own destination
path.
