Terminal (telecommunication)

For computer terminal, see computer terminal. For other types of termination nodes, see Terminal (disambiguation).

Network terminal nodes are at the edges of the network

In the context of telecommunications, a terminal is a device which ends a telecommunications link and is the point at which a signal enters or leaves a network. Examples of terminal equipment include telephones, fax machines, computer terminals, printers and workstations.^[1]

An end instrument is a piece of equipment connected to the wires at the end of a telecommunications link. In telephony, this is usually a telephone connected to a local loop.^[2] End instruments that relate to data terminal equipment include printers, computers, barcode readers, automated teller machines (ATMs) and the console ports of routers.^[3][4][5]

See also

• Communication endpoint
• Data terminal equipment
• End system
• Host (network)
• Node (networking)

• Terminal equipment

References

1. "Definition of Terminal - Gartner Information Technology Glossary". Gartner. Retrieved 16 March 2025.
2. "Telephony terminal".
3. Gnanasivam, P. (2005). Telecommunication switching and networks. New Delhi: New Age International. ISBN 81-224-1583-0. OCLC 762016601.
4. P. Gnanasivam (2005). Telecommunication Switching and Networks. New Age International. p. 26. ISBN 978-81-224-1583-4.
5. "Communications Terminal Definition". Law Insider. Retrieved 16 March 2025.

External links

• Directive 1999/5/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 1999 on radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment and the mutual recognition of their conformity (R&TTE Directive).