Multi-station access unit
A multistation access unit (MAU or MSAU) forms a ring line distributor in token ring computer networks to which the stations are connected, i.e. the interface on the network medium (cable) side to the stations.
If a station is not connected in the token ring, a MAU bridges this station, as the ring structure must not be interrupted.
Multi-station access units are mostly integrated into the network cards .
In IBM terminology, these ring line distributors are also called wire centers.