A
front end processor (FEP), or a
communications processor, is a small-sized
computer which interfaces to the
host computer a number of
networks, such as
SNA, or a number of
peripheral devices, such as
terminals,
disk units,
printers and
tape units. Data is transferred between the host computer and the front end processor using a high-speed
parallel interface. The front end processor communicates with peripheral devices using slower
serial interfaces, usually also through communication networks. The purpose is to off-load from the host computer the work of managing the peripheral devices, transmitting and receiving messages, packet assembly and disassembly, error detection, and error correction. Two examples are the
IBM 3705 Communications Controller and the
Burroughs Data Communications Processor.