A media access unit (MAU), also known as a multistation access unit (MAU or MSAU), is a device to attach multiple network stations in a

star topology A star network is an implementation of a spoke–hub distribution paradigm in computer networks. In a star network, every host is connected to a central hub. In its simplest form, one central hub acts as a conduit to transmit messages. ...

as a

Token Ring Token Ring network IBM hermaphroditic connector with locking clip. Screen contacts are prominently visible, gold-plated signal contacts less so. Token Ring is a computer networking technology used to build local area networks. It was introduc ...

network, internally wired to connect the stations into a logical ring (generally passive i.e. non-switched and unmanaged; however managed Token Ring MAUs do exist in the form of CAUs, or Controlled Access Units). Passive Token Ring was an active IBM networking product in the 1997 time-frame, after which it was rapidly displaced by switched networking.

Advantages and disadvantages

Passive networking without power

The majority of IBM-implemented (actual) passive Token Ring MAUs operated without the requirement of power; instead the passive MAU used a series of relays that adjusted themselves as data is passed through: this is also why Token Ring generally used relays to terminate disconnected or failed ports. The power-less IBM 8228 Multistation Access Unit requires a special 'Setup Aid' tool to re-align the relays after the unit has been moved which causes them to be in incorrect states: this is accomplished by a 9v battery sending a charge to snap the relays back in a proper state. The advantages of having a MAU operate without power is that they can be placed in areas without outlets, the disadvantage is that they must be primed each time the internal relays experience excessive force. The IBM 8226 MAU, while containing a power jack, primarily uses this for the LEDs: relays are still used inside the unit but do not require priming.

Bandwidth

In theory, this networking technology supported large geographic areas (with a total ring circumference of several kilometers). But with the bandwidth shared by all stations, in practice separate networks spanning smaller areas were joined using

bridges A bridge is a structure built to span a physical obstacle (such as a body of water, valley, road, or rail) without blocking the way underneath. It is constructed for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle, which is usually someth ...

. This bridged network technology was soon displaced by high-bandwidth switched networks.

Fault tolerance

Multistation Access Units contain relays to short out non-operating stations. Multiple MAUs can be connected into a larger ring through their ring in/ring out connectors. An MAU is also called a "ring in a box". The loop that used to make up the ring of the token Ring is now integrated into this device. In Token Ring, when a link is broken in the ring, the entire network goes down; however with an MAU, the broken circuit is closed within 1ms; allowing stations on the ring to have their cords unplugged without disabling the entire network.

References

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