Differences between data terminal equipment (DTE) and data communication equipment (DCE) with respect to data communication. (2 marks)June/July 2022

Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) refers to the devices that generate, process, and use data, such as computers, terminals, printers, and modems. DTE typically initiates a communication session and is the source or destination of data in a communication network.

Data Communication Equipment (DCE) refers to the devices that provide a physical connection between DTE devices, enabling them to exchange data. DCE devices typically include modems, routers, switches, and multiplexers. They provide the physical and data link layer services required to transmit data between DTE devices.

In a data communication system, the DTE device communicates with the DCE device, which in turn communicates with other DCE or DTE devices. The DCE provides the interface between the DTE and the communication network, such as a telephone or an Ethernet network, and is responsible for converting the data generated by the DTE into a format suitable for transmission over the network.