# IBM 37xx

> Series of mainframe communication controllers manufactured by IBM (and clone manufacturers). Essentially a small computer which attached to the mainframe and carried out networking functions on its behalf

**Wikidata**: [Q5968661](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5968661)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_37xx)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ibm-37xx

## Summary
The IBM 37xx is a series of mainframe communication controllers manufactured by IBM (and clone manufacturers). Essentially a small computer attached to a mainframe, it handled networking functions on behalf of the larger system, serving as a front-end processor.

## Key Facts
- Part of the IBM Systems Network Architecture
- Replaced the IBM 270x series
- Subclass of front-end processor
- Manufacturer: IBM
- Includes models like the IBM 3720 (introduced in 1986) and IBM 3745 (final model in the family)
- Functioned as a small computer to offload input/output and telecommunications tasks from mainframes
- Wikipedia title: IBM 37xx
- Wikipedia languages: English, Indonesian

## FAQs
### Q: What was the IBM 37xx used for?
A: The IBM 37xx was a series of communication controllers that attached to mainframes to handle networking functions, acting as a front-end processor to offload telecommunications tasks.

### Q: When was the IBM 3720 introduced?
A: The IBM 3720 was introduced in 1986.

### Q: What was the final model in the IBM 37xx family?
A: The IBM 3745 was the final model in the IBM 37xx family.

### Q: Who manufactured the IBM 37xx?
A: The IBM 37xx was manufactured by IBM, with some models also available from clone manufacturers.

### Q: What replaced the IBM 37xx?
A: The IBM 37xx was part of the IBM Systems Network Architecture and replaced the IBM 270x series.

## Why It Matters
The IBM 37xx played a crucial role in mainframe networking by acting as a front-end processor, offloading telecommunications and input/output functions from larger mainframe systems. This allowed mainframes to focus on processing tasks while the IBM 37xx handled communication tasks, improving efficiency and performance. The series was part of IBM's broader Systems Network Architecture, which standardized networking protocols for mainframes. The IBM 37xx was significant in the evolution of enterprise networking, enabling seamless communication between mainframes and other systems. Its role in mainframe communication was foundational, influencing later developments in data center networking.

## Notable For
- Introduced the IBM 3720 in 1986, a key model in the series
- Served as a front-end processor to offload networking tasks from mainframes
- Part of IBM's Systems Network Architecture, standardizing mainframe networking
- Replaced the IBM 270x series, marking an evolution in mainframe communication controllers
- Final model, the IBM 3745, marked the end of the IBM 37xx family

## Body
### Overview
The IBM 37xx was a series of mainframe communication controllers developed by IBM. These devices acted as small computers attached to mainframes, handling networking functions on their behalf. They were part of IBM's Systems Network Architecture and replaced the earlier IBM 270x series.

### Function and Role
The IBM 37xx served as front-end processors, offloading telecommunications and input/output tasks from mainframes. This allowed mainframes to focus on processing while the IBM 37xx managed communication tasks, improving overall system efficiency.

### Key Models
- **IBM 3720**: Introduced in 1986, a significant model in the series.
- **IBM 3745**: The final model in the IBM 37xx family.

### Manufacturing and Availability
The IBM 37xx was manufactured by IBM, with some models also available from clone manufacturers. This ensured compatibility and flexibility for users.

### Historical Context
The IBM 37xx was part of IBM's broader Systems Network Architecture, which standardized networking protocols for mainframes. It replaced the IBM 270x series, marking an evolution in mainframe communication controllers.

### Significance
The IBM 37xx was notable for its role in mainframe networking, enabling seamless communication between mainframes and other systems. Its introduction and subsequent models were foundational in the evolution of enterprise networking.

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