15
16-PORT TYPE 3 MAU
Figure 2-1. Star-wired topology
Each device on the ring is known as an attaching device. Each attaching
device is connected to a wiring concentrator, or multistation access unit
(MAU). The cable between the MAU and the attaching device is known as a
lobe.
The purpose of a MAU is to isolate its attaching devices from the main data
path of the ring. In this way, a problem occurring on the device side of the
MAU will not usually affect the operation of the entire ring. Also,
concentrating station connections in a small area aids troubleshooting. A PC
interfaces the network through the use of a token-ring adapter, which is a
card installed in the PC. When the adapter receives the token and has no data
to transmit, it electrically regenerates the token and sends it to the next
device on the line.
Attaching
Device
MAU
Attaching
Device
Attaching
Device
Attaching
Device