Short for media access unit, an MAU is also known as an Ethernet transceiver or MSAU (multistation access unit). MAU is an adapter, connector, or stand alone device that enables a network device to connect to a Token Ring network. An MAU is one form of fault tolerance that helps prevent issues if a network device or computer goes down. They are commonly available as either active or passive forms. A passive MAU is not powered and does not in any way strengthen the signal from a device. An active MAU is powered and repeats and strengthens a signal.

Computer acronyms, Ethernet, Network terms, Token ring

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