What are the differences between DTE and DCE?

Let us understand the concepts of Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data
Communications Equipment (DCE) before learning the differences between them.

Data Terminal Equipment (DTE)

At the physical layer, the function of DTE is to look for clocking from the device on the
other end of the cable on a link and look for a frame-switching service.

The device receives clocking. The customer devices or the DTE pass data from a host
computer on a customer network for transmission over the Wide Area Network (WAN).

Also, its function is to convert user information into signals or reconvert received signals.
DTE doesn’t communicate information but requires an intermediary so it will be able to
communicate.

DTE examples include computers, application servers, file servers, routers and bridges, etc.

Data Communications Equipment (DCE)

It is also called Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment. At the physical layer, the function of
DCE is that it supplies that clocking. DCE provides the service. The DCE has devices
whose function is to put data on the local loop.

Also, as its function, the DCE provides an interface for connecting subscribers to a
communication link on the WAN cloud. Its function is to establish, maintain, and
terminate communication network sessions between a data source and its destination.

DCE examples include ISDN adapters, Satellites (including base stations) Microwave
stations, NIC (network interface cards) etc.

Given below is the diagram for DTE and DCE −

Differences

The major differences between DTE and DCE are as follows−

DTE

DCE

DTE is the acronym for Data Terminal Equipment
DCE is the acronym for Data Communications Equipment
DTE is to look for clocking.
DCE supplies that clocking.
Devices included in DTE are routers and
computers.
Devices included in DCE are modem.
There should be no coordination between
DTE devices.
Coordination should be required between
DCE devices to communicate.
Examples − printers, computer, file
servers.
Examples − Satellites, ISDN adapters, NIC.