Difference between DTE and DCE

❑ DTE(Data Terminal Equipment)

❍ The system that acts as a terminal in serial communication.

❍ DTE communicates through the DCE equipment.

❍ Generally, the DTE uses the clock rate generated by the DCE.

❍ Generally, it includes PC, Router, etc.

❑ DCE(Data Communications Equipment(EIA), Data Circuit-terminating Equipment(ITU-T))

❍ The system that acts as a network equipment in serial communication.

❍ DCE provides a clock rate to synchronize data.

❍ Generally, line devices such as CSU and Modem are corresponded, but depending on the role, two routers may be distinguished as DTE and DCE.

FYI.

The reason to set the clock rate.
To set the clock rate is the rule specified in the protocol of serial communication for flow control.

Serial communication
Communication using serial cable such as RS-232.