Definition: mLAN

(Music LAN) A local area network based on FireWire that is used to transport audio, video and MIDI data. As music evolved into the digital realm, mLAN was designed to replace the myriad cables, plugs and "in," "out" and "through" sockets on synthesizers, mixers and other A/V equipment with a single connector. mLAN supports multiple channels of data that flow over logical routes between virtual connectors called "plugs." Devices can be daisy chained together or cabled in a star or tiered star topology.

Developed by Yamaha, one of the key benefits of mLAN is its connection management. A computer in the network can store each device's configuration settings and automatically reconfigure it when it is reconnected. The transport layers of mLAN have been standardized as the IEC 61883-6 protocol, officially known as the Audio and Music Data Transmission Protocol (A/M protocol).