(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)