differential ecl is the topology in which the central connecting device is known as a multistation access unit (mau).
in which topology is the central connecting device known as a multistation access unit (mau)?
differential ecl
media access unit









































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 as a token ring 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.









































section::::advantages and disadvantages.









































section::::advantages and disadvantages.:passive networking without power.
media access unit
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.
media access unit