Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: A minicomputer or specialized system that offloads communications control from the mainframe
Explanation:
Introduction:
In classic mainframe and enterprise networking environments, organizations connected many remote terminals and lines to a central host. Managing thousands of sessions, protocols, and line controls can burden the host. The concept of a front-end processor (FEP) emerged to address this scaling problem.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
A front-end processor is a dedicated computer—often a minicomputer or specialized controller—positioned between the communications network and the host (mainframe). It terminates lines, handles low-level protocols, buffers data, performs error checking, and multiplexes streams, leaving the host free to run applications and core OS services.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Historical systems such as IBM's 3705/3725 Communications Controllers exemplify FEPs, confirming their role as communications offload devices rather than user PCs or generic kernel CPUs.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A user's personal computer: Submits jobs but does not offload line control for all terminals; role is unrelated.
A processor executing OS kernel instructions: That describes part of the mainframe itself, not a separate communications controller.
A preliminary batch pre-sorter: Job scheduling may occur elsewhere, but that is not the FEP's defining function.
None of the above: Incorrect because option C correctly defines the FEP.
Common Pitfalls:
Assuming 'front-end' refers to user interface machines or GUI clients. In classic networking, 'front-end' is specifically about communications offload near the network 'front.'
Final Answer:
A minicomputer or specialized system that offloads communications control from the mainframe
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