Difference between DTE and DCE

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1. Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) : It includes any unit that functions either as a
source of or as a destination for binary digital data. At physical layer, it can be a terminal,
microcomputer, computer, printer, fax, machine or any other device that generates or
consumes digital data. DTEs do not often communicate information but need an
intermediary to be able to communicate.
2. Data Circuit Terminating Equipment (DCE) : It includes any functional unit that
transmit or receives data in form of an analog or digital signal through a network. At
physical layer, a DCE takes data generated by a DTE, converts them to an appropriate
signal, and then introduces signal onto telecommunication link. Commonly used DCEs at
this layer include modems. In any network, a DTE generates digital data and passes them
to a DCE. DCE converts that data to a form acceptable to transmission medium and sends
converted signal to another DCE on network. The second DCE takes signal off line,
converts it to a form usable by its DTE, and delivers it.

How they work:

1. DTE generates or receives data: The DTE, which can be a computer, modem, or other
device, generates or receives data that needs to be transmitted over a network.
2. DTE converts data to serial format: Before the data can be transmitted over a network,
the DTE converts it to a serial format. This means that the data is transmitted one bit
at a time, rather than in parallel.
3. DTE sends data to DCE: The DTE sends the serial data to the DCE, which provides
the interface between the DTE and the network.
4. DCE manages physical connection: The DCE is responsible for managing the
physical connection between the DTE and the network. This includes tasks such as
encoding and decoding the data, checking for errors, and controlling the flow of data.
5. DCE transmits data: Once the DCE has received the data from the DTE, it transmits it
over the network using the appropriate protocol.
6. DCE receives data: As data is transmitted over the network, the DCE receives it and
performs tasks such as error checking and flow control.
7. DCE sends data to DTE: Once the data reaches its destination, the DCE sends it to the
receiving DTE.
8. DTE converts data back to original format: The receiving DTE converts the serial data
back into its original format so that it can be processed and used.

Difference between DTE and DCE :

SR.NO DTE DCE

DTE stands for Data Termination DCE stands for Data Communication
1
Equipment. Equipment.

It is a device that is an
It is a device used as an interface between a
2 information source or an
DTE.
information sink.

DTE is concerned with source or DCE is concerned with communications

3
destination of data. aspect of data.

It produces data and transfers It converts signals to a format appropriate

4 them to a DCE, with essential to transmission medium and introduces it
control characters. onto network line.

It is connected through help of a DCE network acts as a medium for two

5
DCE network. DTE networks.

Examples of DTE include Examples of DCE include modem, ISDN

6 computers, printers and routers, adaptors, satellites and network interface
etc. cards, etc.

Conclusion :
DTEs are end user devices that generate or receive data, while DCEs are the equipment
that facilitates the transmission of data between DTEs. DTEs typically connect to the
communication network via a serial port or other interface, while DCEs provide the
interface between the DTE and the communication network.

MODEM
A modem and router are two of the most frequent components in a home network
configuration. A router establishes a local area network (LAN), whereas a modem
connects to an internet service provider (ISP). For a home network to work, both
devices are necessary.

What is a Modem?
Modem stands for Modulator/Demodulator. The modem is defined as a networking
device that is used to connect devices connected in the network to the internet. The
main function of a modem is to convert the analog signals that come from telephone
wire into a digital form. In digital form, these converted signals are stored in the form
of 0s and 1s. The modem can perform both the task of modulation and demodulation
simultaneously. Modems are majorly used to transfer digital data in personal systems.
The modem is also known as a signal translator as it translates one signal into another
signal by modulating the digital signal into an analog signal for transmission and then
demodulates receiving analog signals into digital signals.

Working of Modem
The two main components of a modem are modulation and demodulation. Where the
modem can perform both tasks simultaneously. The step-by-step working of the modem
is given below:

Step 1: Data Generation: When data needs to be transmitted it is first generated.

Therefore computer system generated the data which is in digital form of 0s and 1s.
Step 2: Modulation: Modulation is defined as a process of converting digital data
signals of the computer into analog data signals so that these signals can travel on the
internet. The digital data is encoded onto a carrier wave.
Step 3: Transmission: The resultant of modulation that is modulated data is
transmitted over the communication line to the modem that is receiving it.
Step 4: Demodulation: Demodulation is defined as a process in which analog data
signals from the internet are converted into digital data signals so they can be
understood by computer systems. In the process of demodulation the digital data from
the carrier wave is decoded.
Step 5: Decoding: The resultant of demodulation that is demodulated data is being sent
to the computer systems for their further use.

Types of Modem
There are different types of modems available. Each modem has different features and
provides with different benefits. Below are the different types of modems:

1. Optical Modem
In modem, different type of media is used to transfer the signals. Optical Modem is the
type of modem that makes use of optical cables instead of using another metallic type
of media. The digital data is converted into the pulse of light that is transmitted on
the optical fiber used in the optical Modem.
2. Digital Modem
Digital Modem is defined as a type of modem that is used to convert digital data into
digital signals. Digital data is in form of 0s and 1s. For this, it performs the process of
modulation. Digital Modem modulates the digital data on digital carrier signals for
transmission.
3. Cable Modem
Cable modems are defined as a type of modem used to establish a communication
between computer systems and the Internet Service Providers. A cable modem helps to
access high-speed data through cable TV networks. Such modems are usually connected
to desktops or systems and work like external devices.
4. Satellite Modem
Satellite Modems are defined as a type of modem that provides with the internet
connection through satellite dishes. This type of modem works by sending the input bits
into output radio signals and vice versa. The internet network that is provided by such
types of modems is more reliable and efficient as compared to other types of modems.
5. Dial Modem
A Dial Modem is a type of modem that converts data used in telephone and data used
on computers. In short dial modem converts between analog form and digital form. The
networking devices connected to the computer are all at one end and the telephone line
is at another end. This type of modem transmits the data at a speed of 56000 per/sec.

6. Standard Modem
Standard modems are defined as a type of modem that makes use of generic device
drivers. Standard modems can be internal modems or external modems. Whereas
internal modems require less physical structure.
7. Null Modem
Null modem is a communication method to directly connect two DTEs (computer,
terminal, printer, etc.) using an RS-232 serial cable.

8.Bell Modem
Bell provides a gateway modem to customers like me and you. The latest one is
the Giga Hub (preceded by the Home Hub 2000, 3000, and 4000). It's a
combination modem and router. You can't use your own modem on the Bell
network, even if you own it.

9. ITU-T Modem
The International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector
(ITU-T) is one of the three Sectors (branches) of the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU). It is responsible for coordinating standards for telecommunications and
Information Communication Technology, such as X.
29 is an ITU-T recommendation for a modem, allowing 4.8 kbit/s, 7.2 kbit/s and 9.6 kbit/s transfer
modes (PSK and QAM modulations).

10. 56k Modem

56k (Determined February 1998) refers to procedures between a “digital modem” and an
“analog modem”. The analog modem, which may be connected to the PSTN through
either an analog or digital interface, transmits V. 34 signals and receives G. 711 PCM
signals.

Advantages of Modem
 A modem converts digital signals into an analog signal.
 The cost of a modem increases according to the features it has.
 The modem helps to connect the LAN to the internet.
 Modem performs both modulation and demodulation processes simultaneously
Disadvantages of Modem
 The working of the modem slows down when connected to the hub.
 The modem cannot track the traffic between the LAN and the internet.
 When using a modem a limited number of network devices can be connected to the
internet.
 Modems have a high rock of security-related attacks.
 The modem does not provide maintenance of traffic.

Electromagnetic Spectrum:
The entire distribution of electromagnetic radiation according to frequency or
wavelength. Although all electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light
in a vacuum, they do so at a wide range of frequencies, wavelengths, and
photon energies. The electromagnetic spectrum is the full range of
electromagnetic radiation, organized by frequency or wavelength. The spectrum is
divided into separate bands, with different names for the electromagnetic waves
within each band.
The electromagnetic (EM) spectrum is the range of all types of EM radiation.
Radiation is energy that travels and spreads out as it goes – the visible light that
comes from a lamp in your house and the radio waves that come from a radio
station are two types of electromagnetic radiation.

Transmission Media and its Types

Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable

The shielded twisted pair cable is widely used in high-speed networks. The major difference between UTP and
shielded twisted pair is that STP makes use of a metallic shield to wrap the wires. This metallic shield prevents
interference to a better extent than UTP. These STP cables come with numbering; the higher the numbering,
the better the interference prevention. Most computer networks must go with CAT 3 or CAT 5, and nothing
less than this.
Shielded Twisted Pair Cable

UTP and STP Difference

 Coaxial Cable

Types of Transmission Media

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In data communication terminology, a transmission medium is a physical path between

the transmitter and the receiver i.e. it is the channel through which data is sent from one
place to another. Transmission Media is broadly classified into the following types:

1. Guided Media: It is also referred to as Wired or Bounded transmission media. Signals

being transmitted are directed and confined in a narrow pathway by using physical links.
Features:
 High Speed
 Secure
 Used for comparatively shorter distances
There are 3 major types of Guided Media:
(i) Twisted Pair Cable –
It consists of 2 separately insulated conductor wires wound about each other. Generally,
several such pairs are bundled together in a protective sheath. They are the most widely
used Transmission Media. Twisted Pair is of two types:
 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP):
UTP consists of two insulated copper wires twisted around one another. This type of
cable has the ability to block interference and does not depend on a physical shield for
this purpose. It is used for telephonic applications.

Advantages:
⇢ Least expensive
⇢ Easy to install
⇢ High-speed capacity
Disadvantages:
⇢ Susceptible to external interference
⇢ Lower capacity and performance in comparison to STP
⇢ Short distance transmission due to attenuation
Applications:
Used in telephone connections and LAN networks
 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP):
This type of cable consists of a special jacket (a copper braid covering or a foil shield)
to block external interference. It is used in fast-data-rate Ethernet and in voice and
data channels of telephone lines.

Advantages:
⇢ Better performance at a higher data rate in comparison to UTP
⇢ Eliminates crosstalk
⇢ Comparatively faster
Disadvantages:
⇢ Comparatively difficult to install and manufacture
⇢ More expensive
⇢ Bulky
Applications:
The shielded twisted pair type of cable is most frequently used in extremely cold
climates, where the additional layer of outer covering makes it perfect for withstanding
such temperatures or for shielding the interior components.
(ii) Coaxial Cable –
It has an outer plastic covering containing an insulation layer made of PVC or Teflon and
2 parallel conductors each having a separate insulated protection cover. The coaxial cable
transmits information in two modes: Baseband mode(dedicated cable bandwidth) and
Broadband mode(cable bandwidth is split into separate ranges). Cable TVs and analog
television networks widely use Coaxial cables.

Advantages:
 High Bandwidth
 Better noise Immunity
 Easy to install and expand
 Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
 Single cable failure can disrupt the entire network
Applications:
Radio frequency signals are sent over coaxial wire. It can be used for cable television
signal distribution, digital audio (S/PDIF), computer network connections (like Ethernet),
and feedlines that connect radio transmitters and receivers to their antennas.
(iii) Optical Fiber Cable –
It uses the concept of refraction of light through a core made up of glass or plastic. The
core is surrounded by a less dense glass or plastic covering called the cladding. It is used
for the transmission of large volumes of data.
The cable can be unidirectional or bidirectional. The WDM (Wavelength Division
Multiplexer) supports two modes, namely unidirectional and bidirectional mode.

Advantages:
 Increased capacity and bandwidth
 Lightweight
 Less signal attenuation
 Immunity to electromagnetic interference
 Resistance to corrosive materials
Disadvantages:
 Difficult to install and maintain
 High cost
 Fragile
Applications:
 Medical Purpose: Used in several types of medical instruments.
 Defence Purpose: Used in transmission of data in aerospace.
 For Communication: This is largely used in formation of internet cables.
 Industrial Purpose: Used for lighting purposes and safety measures in designing the
interior and exterior of automobiles.
(iv) Stripline
Stripline is a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) transmission line medium invented by
Robert M. Barrett of the Air Force Cambridge Research Centre in the 1950s. Stripline is
the earliest form of the planar transmission line. It uses a conducting material to transmit
high-frequency waves it is also called a waveguide. This conducting material is
sandwiched between two layers of the ground plane which are usually shorted to provide
EMI immunity.
(v) Microstripline
In this, the conducting material is separated from the ground plane by a layer of
dielectric.
2. Unguided Media:
It is also referred to as Wireless or Unbounded transmission media. No physical medium
is required for the transmission of electromagnetic signals.
Features:
 The signal is broadcasted through air
 Less Secure
 Used for larger distances
There are 3 types of Signals transmitted through unguided media:
(i) Radio waves –
These are easy to generate and can penetrate through buildings. The sending and
receiving antennas need not be aligned. Frequency Range:3KHz – 1GHz. AM and FM
radios and cordless phones use Radio waves for transmission.

Further Categorized as (i) Terrestrial and (ii) Satellite.

(ii) Microwaves –
It is a line of sight transmission i.e. the sending and receiving antennas need to be
properly aligned with each other. The distance covered by the signal is directly
proportional to the height of the antenna. Frequency Range:1GHz – 300GHz. These are
majorly used for mobile phone communication and television distribution.

Microwave Transmission

(iii) Infrared –
Infrared waves are used for very short distance communication. They cannot penetrate
through obstacles. This prevents interference between systems. Frequency
Range:300GHz – 400THz. It is used in TV remotes, wireless mouse, keyboard, printer,
etc.