# front end processor

> Small computer to which a large mainframe computer delegates input/output or telecommunications functions

**Wikidata**: [Q5505860](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5505860)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Front-end_processor)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/front-end-processor

## Summary
A front end processor is a small computer designed to which a large mainframe computer delegates input/output or telecommunications functions. It acts as a specialized peripheral, handling tasks like networking on behalf of the mainframe to free up its primary processing power.

## Key Facts
*   A front end processor is a small computer that handles input/output or telecommunications functions for a large mainframe computer.
*   It is classified as both a peripheral and a computer.
*   Examples include the IBM 270x (1960s-era) and IBM 37xx series of mainframe communication controllers.
*   Aliases for the entity include "front-end processor," "frontend processor," and "FEP."
*   It has a Freebase ID of /m/07vwk7.
*   The Wikipedia title for this entity is "Front-end processor," available in 8 languages.
*   It has a sitelink count of 8.
*   Its Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued) is 56731156.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a front end processor?
A: A front end processor is a small computer that a large mainframe computer uses to delegate input/output or telecommunications functions. It acts as an intermediary to manage these specialized tasks.

### Q: What functions does a front end processor perform?
A: It performs input/output, telecommunications, and networking functions on behalf of a mainframe. This delegation allows the mainframe to focus on its primary computational tasks.

### Q: What are some examples of front end processors?
A: Notable examples include the IBM 270x series from the 1960s and the IBM 37xx series. Both were communication controllers designed for IBM mainframes.

### Q: Is a front end processor considered a type of computer?
A: Yes, a front end processor is essentially a small computer. It is also classified as a peripheral device that attaches to a larger computer system.

## Why It Matters
The front end processor is significant because it allows large mainframe computers to delegate crucial input/output and telecommunications functions. By offloading these specialized tasks, the mainframe can dedicate its primary processing power to core computational work, improving overall system efficiency and throughput. This delegation centralizes the handling of communication facilities, making the mainframe more effective at its primary role. It essentially acts as an intermediary, managing the complexities of external communication and data transfer so the mainframe can operate more efficiently without being burdened by the overhead of managing numerous peripheral interactions or network connections. This specialization was crucial for the performance and scalability of mainframe systems.

## Notable For
*   Delegating input/output and telecommunications functions from large mainframe computers.
*   Being a "small computer" specifically designed to handle communication and I/O tasks for mainframes.
*   Serving as a communication controller for mainframes, as exemplified by the 1960s-era IBM 270x and later IBM 37xx series.

## Body

### Definition and Function
A front end processor (FEP) is a small computer whose primary role is to which a large mainframe computer delegates input/output (I/O) or telecommunications functions. It acts as an intermediary, handling the complexities of communication and data transfer on behalf of the mainframe. This delegation allows the mainframe to concentrate its resources on core computational tasks.

### Classification
The front end processor is classified under multiple categories:
*   **Peripheral**: It is a hardware device that attaches to a computer and provides input, output, storage, or communication facilities.
*   **Computer**: It is considered a general-purpose device capable of performing arithmetic or logical operations, albeit specialized for I/O and telecommunications.

### Examples of Front End Processors
Historically, specific series of communication controllers served as front end processors for IBM mainframes:
*   **IBM 270x**: This class refers to 1960s-era IBM mainframe communication controllers.
*   **IBM 37xx**: This series comprises mainframe communication controllers manufactured by IBM and clone manufacturers. These were essentially small computers that attached to the mainframe and carried out networking functions on its behalf.

### Identifiers and Metadata
The entity "front end processor" is associated with various identifiers and metadata:
*   **Aliases**: front-end processor, frontend processor, Front‐end processor, Procesador Front-End, Procesador Front End, FEP.
*   **Freebase ID**: /m/07vwk7.
*   **Sitelink Count**: 8.
*   **Wikipedia Title**: Front-end processor.
*   **Wikipedia Languages**: ar, az, bn, en, es, fr, ja, ko.
*   **Wikidata Description**: Small computer to which a large mainframe computer delegates input/output or telecommunications functions.
*   **Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued)**: 56731156.