Serial Protocols – A Guide to RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 Network Solutions
Serial communication protocols remain foundational to industrial automation, transportation systems, utilities, and mission-critical infrastructure. Despite the growth of Ethernet and IP-based networks, RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 continue to be widely deployed due to their reliability, simplicity, and robustness in electrically noisy and long-distance environments. This white paper provides a technical comparison of these serial protocols, examines their electrical and network characteristics, and outlines best practices for selecting and deploying serial network solutions in modern systems.