<
communications, hardware> (
DCE) The devices and connections
of a communications network that connect the communication
circuit between the data source and destination (the {Data
Terminal Equipment} or DTE). A
modem is the most common
kind of
DCE.
Before data can be transmited over a modem, the DTR (Data
Terminal Ready) signal must be active. DTR tells the
DCE that
the DTE is ready to transmit and receive data.
DCE and DTE are usually connected by an
EIA-232 {serial
line}. It is necessary to distinguish these two types of
device because their connectors must be wired differently if a
"straight-through" cable (pin 1 to pin 1, pin 2 to pin 2 etc.)
is to be used.
DCE should have a female connector and should
transmit on pin two and receive on pin three. It is a curious
fact that many
modems are "DTE" according to the original
standard.
(1995-02-28)