Remember DTE
Full name: Data Terminal Equipment
Memory aid: Data Terminal Equipment is the endpoint needing the circuit.
A device's DTE or DCE role depends on the interface arrangement.
Study area: Cables, plugs & legacy ports · Batch 7
Relevant study for: CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 · CompTIA Network+ N10-009 · Cisco CCNA 200-301
Practice with exam flashcards →Networking & Connectivity / Knowledge library
DTE — Data Terminal Equipment
Acts as the terminal-side participant in traditional data communication interfaces.
Why learn DTE — Data Terminal Equipment?
Acts as the terminal-side participant in traditional data communication interfaces.
Where it came from
A device's DTE or DCE role depends on the interface arrangement.
- Memory aid (a learning cue, not the expansion): Data Terminal Equipment is the endpoint needing the circuit.
Build your understanding
Work through these exercises in order. Try the task before opening a reference.
- Without looking, expand DTE: Data Terminal Equipment.
- Recall this memory aid: Data Terminal Equipment is the endpoint needing the circuit.
- Explain the practical use: Acts as the terminal-side participant in traditional data communication interfaces.
- Explain this distinction: A device's DTE or DCE role depends on the interface arrangement.
- Identify DTE in a device specification, architecture diagram, or system inventory.
Documentation and sources
- IEEE 802 LAN/MAN standards (www.ieee802.org)
- IETF Internet standards (www.rfc-editor.org)