front-end processor

front-end processor

[¦frənt ¦end ‚präs‚es·ər]

(computer science)

A computer which connects to the main computer at one end and communications channels at the other, and which directs the transmitting and receiving of messages, detects and corrects transmission errors, assembles and disassembles messages, and performs other processing functions so that the main computer receives pure information.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

front-end processor

(FEP) 1. A small computer necessary to enable an IBM mainframe using SNA to communicate beyond the limits of the dinosaur pen.

2. A small computer controlling the screen and keyboard of a Symbolics 3600 LISP Machine.

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