(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)