What does CPE stand for in networking?

CPE stands for Customer Premises Equipment in networking. This term refers to the devices and equipment located on the customer’s premises that connect to the service provider's network. Examples of CPE include routers, switches, modems, and any other hardware that enables the customer to access the services offered by the telecom or internet service provider.

The definition of CPE is significant in various contexts, such as when configuring networks or managing customer services. It emphasizes the boundary between the customer’s internal network and the service provider’s external network. Understanding CPE is crucial for both network design and troubleshooting because it can impact how services are delivered and how performance issues are addressed. This concept is foundational in service-level agreements (SLAs), installation processes, and maintenance operations in enterprise networking.