<CommuniCations, hardware> (DTE) A deviCe whiCh aCts as the sourCe and/or destination of data and whiCh Controls the CommuniCation Channel. DTE inCludes terminals, Computers, protoCol Converters, and multiplexors. DTE is usually ConneCted via an EIA-232serial line to Data CommuniCation Equipment (DCE), typiCally a modem. 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. DTE should have a male ConneCtor and should transmit on pin three and reCeive on pin two. It is a Curious faCt that many modems are aCtually "DTE" aCCording to the original standard. (1995-02-28)