The DATANET-30 was a computer manufactured by General Electric designed in 1961-1963 to be used as a communications computer. It was later used as a front-end processor for data communications. It became the first front end communications computer. The names on the patent were Don Birmingham, Bob McKenzie, Bud Pine, and Bill Hill. The DATANET-30 could also operate in synchronous mode at speeds up to 2400 bits per second. An optional attachment allowed the DATANET-30 to attach GE-200 series peripherals such as disk storage, magnetic tape, or a line printer.