# media access unit

> device

**Wikidata**: [Q1417083](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1417083)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Media_access_unit)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/media-access-unit

## Summary
A **media access unit (MAU)** is a device that serves as a physical component of a computer hardware system, functioning as an interface for connecting multiple devices to a shared medium. It is classified under computer hardware and has been documented in various technical contexts, including IBM's 8228 MAU, which was accompanied by a setup tool. The MAU is recognized by multiple aliases, including "multistation access unit" and "Medium Access Unit," and has been referenced in academic and technical databases.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: A subclass of computer hardware, specifically a physical component of a computer system.
- **Aliases**: Includes MAU, SAU, MSAU, multistation access unit, duōzhàn jiērù dānyuán, Medium Access Unit, メディアアクセスユニット.
- **Freebase ID**: /m/01x243, referenced in academic literature as of October 28, 2013.
- **Image**: An example of an IBM 8228 MAU with a setup tool is available on Wikimedia Commons.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: The term "Media access unit" is used as a title in multiple language editions, including English, German, and Japanese.
- **Commons Category**: The term "Media access unit" is used in Wikimedia Commons categories.
- **Microsoft Academic ID (discontinued)**: 2780230161, indicating historical academic references.
- **Sitelinks**: The entity has been linked to 9 Wikipedia articles across various languages.

## FAQs
**What is the primary function of a media access unit?**
A media access unit (MAU) serves as a physical interface for connecting multiple devices to a shared medium, functioning as part of a computer hardware system.

**What are the common aliases for media access unit?**
The term is also referred to as MAU, SAU, MSAU, multistation access unit, duōzhàn jiērù dānyuán, Medium Access Unit, and メディアアクセスユニット.

**Where can I find an image of an IBM 8228 MAU?**
An image of an IBM 8228 MAU with a setup tool is available on Wikimedia Commons.

**What academic references mention the media access unit?**
The entity is referenced in Freebase (ID: /m/01x243) and has a historical Microsoft Academic ID (2780230161).

**In which languages is the term "Media access unit" used in Wikipedia?**
The term appears in Wikipedia editions for English, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Slovak, and Chinese.

## Why It Matters
The media access unit (MAU) plays a critical role in computer hardware systems by facilitating the connection of multiple devices to a shared medium. Its classification as a subclass of computer hardware underscores its technical significance in networking and data transmission. The existence of multiple aliases and academic references highlights its historical and technical relevance in computing. The availability of images and documentation, such as the IBM 8228 MAU, provides tangible evidence of its practical application in early computing systems.

## Notable For
- **Technical Documentation**: The IBM 8228 MAU is notable for its accompanying setup tool, which aids in configuration.
- **Academic References**: The entity is referenced in Freebase and historical academic databases, indicating its importance in technical literature.
- **Multilingual Usage**: The term "Media access unit" is used in Wikipedia across multiple languages, reflecting its global technical relevance.
- **Wikimedia Commons**: An image of the IBM 8228 MAU is available, providing visual documentation of the device.

## Body
### Classification and Function
The media access unit (MAU) is classified as a **computer hardware** component, specifically a physical part of a computer system. It functions as an interface for connecting multiple devices to a shared medium, a role that was exemplified by the IBM 8228 MAU, which included a setup tool for configuration.

### Aliases and Terminology
The term "media access unit" is also referred to by several aliases, including **MAU, SAU, MSAU, multistation access unit, duōzhàn jiērù dānyuán, Medium Access Unit, and メディアアクセスユニット**. These variations reflect its usage in different technical contexts and languages.

### Academic and Technical References
The MAU is referenced in **Freebase (ID: /m/01x243)** and has a historical **Microsoft Academic ID (2780230161)**, indicating its presence in academic and technical literature. The entity is also linked to **9 Wikipedia articles** across various languages, demonstrating its broad technical relevance.

### Documentation and Visual References
An **image of the IBM 8228 MAU** with its setup tool is available on **Wikimedia Commons**, providing visual documentation of the device. The term "Media access unit" is also used in **Wikimedia Commons categories**, further documenting its technical significance.

### Wikipedia Presence
The term "Media access unit" is used as a **Wikipedia title** in multiple language editions, including **English, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Slovak, and Chinese**. This multilingual presence highlights its global technical importance.

### Historical and Technical Context
The MAU's inclusion in academic databases and its documented usage in early computing systems, such as the IBM 8228 model, underscores its role in historical computing infrastructure. The availability of setup tools and visual references further illustrates its practical application in networking and data transmission.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013