CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) refers to the telecommunications equipment located on the customer's premises, such as a house or business, that allows them to connect to and utilize the services provided by a communications service provider.
The CPE devices typically include modems, routers, switches, and other networking equipment that facilitate the connection between the customer's internal network and the provider's network. These devices enable communication, data transmission, and access to the internet, among other services.
CPE can vary depending on the specific needs and requirements of the customer. For residential customers, CPE devices often include a modem or gateway that enables internet connectivity. These devices may have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities to provide wireless internet access throughout the premises.
In a business environment, CPE may include more advanced equipment such as routers and switches to manage the network and connect multiple devices. Additional services like Voice over IP (VoIP) phones or virtual private networks (VPNs) may also be integrated into the CPE setup.
Overall, CPE serves as the bridge between the customer's internal network and the service provider's infrastructure, allowing for the delivery of various telecommunications services.