Dictionary.net

(DTE) A device which acts as thesource and/or destination of data and which controls thecommunication channel. DTE includes terminals, computers,protocol converters, and multiplexors.DTE is usually connected via an EIA-232 serial line toData Communication Equipment (DCE), typically a modem. Itis necessary to distinguish these two types of device becausetheir 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 shouldtransmit on pin three and receive on pin two. It is a curiousfact that many modems are actually "DTE" according to theoriginal standard.