DTE Data Terminal Equipment. This is computer equipment which is not directly responsible for communicating, for example, the computer itself and printers. DCE Data Circuit Terminating Equipment. Sets up and maintains a data connection link over a communications medium. For example, a modem.
Some modems have the capability to 'squash' data so that it takes up less space.
By using data compression, a modem can send information faster. The speed at which data travels. For example, data may be sent at 115,200bps. Same as transmission rate, transmission speed, data rate. The transmission speed of most modems is measured in baud or bps.