Mainframe I/O Channels
In the mainframe field, the terms host adapter or host bus adapter were traditionally not used. A similar goal is achieved since 1960s with a different technique: I/O channel, or simply channel, is a separate processor that can access main memory independently, in parallel with CPU (like later DMA in personal computer field), and that executes its own I/O-dedicated programs when pointed to such by the controlling CPU.
Protocols used by I/O channels to communicate with peripheral devices include ESCON and newer FICON.
Read more about this topic: Host Adapter
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—William Faulkner (1897–1962)