Modbus Network

A Modbus network is a network of devices that use the Modbus protocol to communicate. Modbus is not a physical network layer, but resides on the network interface layer. This allows a Modbus network to be housed on various types of communications infrastructures, including serial or TCP connections.

A Modbus Network Can House Up To 247 Slave Devices
Modbus is an open source protocol, which led to the widespread deployment of Modbus systems. A Modbus network is made up of two types of devices, which are classified as either master or slave devices. A single Modbus network is composed of one Modbus master, and up to 247 Modbus slave devices.

Modbus masters can request data from slave devices across the Modbus network. The master can also write information to Modbus slave devices. However, these communications only take place in one direction. Modbus slaves cannot request information from the master, nor can they write information to it. Slave devices use the Modbus network strictly for upwards data transmission in response to requests from the master.

Modbus Networks Support Many Modbus Variations
The Modbus protocol has evolved into several different variations. These variations are designed to support Modbus network communications over a variety of physical network layers. These variations include Modbus RS-232 and Modbus RS-485, which support different types of serial connections. Modbus TCP can be used to communicate over a Modbus network structured with an IP connection.

Two additional variants are Modbus ASCII and Modbus RTU. These variations are optimized for use with ASCII equipment, or with Modbus capable RTUs. Each of the aforementioned Modbus variants uses a slightly different communication format, allowing users to deploy a Modbus network in the variant that is the most compatible with their other equipment.

Seek the Most Advanced Technology For Your Modbus Network
A Modbus network should be developed using the most advanced Modbus monitoring technology. With advanced Modbus monitoring systems, you can provide automatic page and email notifications of all your alarms. With location and repair information sent directly to your technicians, you can handle network problems more quickly, and efficiently. The most advanced systems will also allow you to bring in alarms from other protocols, displaying all of your important notifications in a single window monitored by a single network operator.

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Related Products:
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