A processor used to offload certain data communications tasks from the host processor.
a hardware device that connects all communication lines to a central computer to relieve the central computer
a small computer designed to extend mainframe input/output channels outwards onto a data communications network
a specialized computer that manages all routine communications with peripheral devices
A company/vendor that provides communication and data processing services for authorization of card payments and the transfer of data between Sellers point of sale equipment to the back-end clearing and settlement processor. The SecureSource payments service has a proprietary, or in-house front-end processor.
A specialized processor that manipulates data before passing it on to the main processor. In large computer-to-computer communications, a front-end processor is often used to manage all aspects of communications, leaving the main computer free to handle the data processing. Back to the Top
A communications computer associated with a host computer. It can perform line control, message handling, code conversion, and functions such as control of special purpose terminals.
A dedicated computer that controls communications between an IBM mainframe and the network devices that communicate with it, offloading communication processing overhead from the mainframe.
In communications, a computer that is located between communications lines and a main (host) computer and used to relieve the host of tasks related to communications; sometimes considered synonymous with communications controller. A front-end processor is dedicated entirely to handling transmitted information, including error detection and control; receipt, transmission, and possibly encoding of messages; and management of the lines running to and from other devices.
