A type of front-end processor, such as an IBM 3705, 3720, or 3725, that communicates between the communications facilities and a host computer. IBM supports both programmable and non-programmable communication controllers. Hewlett-Packard's INP and PSI are kinds of communications controllers.
A device used to support communications between the mainframe computers and the end user devices such as terminals, personal computers and printers.
A front-end processor that provides an interface between the communications facilities and a computer. IBM provides programmable and non-programmable communications controllers, such as the IBM 3705, 3725, and 3745 Communication Controllers. The Intelligent Network Processor (INP) on MPE V and the Programmatic Serial Interface (PSI) on MPE XL are HP communications controllers.
A switching unit central to the implementation of host-based IBM S NA networks. Typically the network is built around a backbone of interlinked communications controllers to which host computers and Control Units (CUs) are attached.
Small computers used to connect and coordinate communication links between distributed or remote devices and the main computer, thus freeing the main computer from this overhead function
(1) A hardware device that lets you attach either communication lines, ASCII devices, or a local area network to the processing unit. (2) A dedicated device with special processing capabilities for organizing and checking data and handling information traffic to and from many remote terminals or computers, including functions such as message switching. Also called communications processor.