(also MAU, medium access unit, multistation access unit, MSAU, Ethernet transceiver)
A media access unit (MAU) is a standalone device that acts as an Ethernet transceiver when connecting network nodes in local area networks LAN). MAUs are used in token ring network topology, where network stations form a logical ring — that is, data passes from one device to another in a continuous circle.
See also: local area connection, virtual switch, digital switch, ring network, network frame
MAUs typically operate at the data link layer (also called layer 2) of the open systems interconnection (OSI) model. MAUs manage physical connections between network devices, ensuring that data is transmitted and received correctly.
Unlike in conventional ring topology, if one device on the token ring fails, MAUs can bypass it and forward the data to the next device in the ring.