WAN Connections
WANs move data between routers at each end of the LANs that are supported by the WAN connection.
The two devices typically residing at the customer location include:
- Router (between LAN and CSU/DSU)
- CSU/DSU (between customer site and telco's network)
The router is also called the DTE (data terminating equipment) because it is the device at the user end of the WAN. A DTE can also be a computer or some other type of terminating device.
The CSU/DSU is also called the DCE. It is the physical connection at the telco’s end of the WAN. A DCE can also be a modem or terminal adapter.