3Com NETBuilder SI, SuperStack II manual Connecting the Bridge/Router to a DTE Using a DCE Cable

Serial Connectors and Flex-WAN Cables 175

DTEs include mainframes and automatic teller machines. DCEs include modems and CSU/DSUs.

A DCE must always connect to a DTE, and vice versa. If you need to connect a DTE to a DTE, or a DCE to a DCE, you can use a crossover cable between the two devices.

For example, a SuperStack II bridge/router is a DTE. To connect the bridge/router to another DTE, such as a mainframe, use a crossover Flex-WAN DCE cable. The DCE cable has a DCE connector on the end that connects to the mainframe (see Figure 29).

Figure 29 Connecting the Bridge/Router to a DTE Using a DCE Cable

SuperStack II	Mainframe
(acting DCE, provides	DTE
necessary clocking signals)

DTE

DCE

Connector

Flex-WAN DCE crossover cable

To connect the bridge/router to a DCE, such as a modem, use a straight-through Flex-WAN DTE cable. The DTE cable has a DTE connector on the end that connects to the modem (see Figure 30).

Figure 30 Connecting the Bridge/Router to a DCE Using a DTE Cable

SuperStack II

DTE

DCE

DTE

connector Modem

Flex-WAN DTE straight-through cable