Modbus Insights

What is Modbus?

Modbus is a serial communication protocol originally published by Modicon (now Schneider Electric) in 1979 for use with its programmable logic controllers (PLCs). In simple terms, it is used to transmit data between electronic devices. It is commonly used in industrial automation systems to connect a supervisory computer with a remote terminal unit (RTU).

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What other technologies are related to Modbus?

Modbus Competitor Technologies

BACnet

BACnet is a communication protocol for building automation and control networks. It serves a similar purpose to Modbus, often used in the same application domains, making them competitors.

mentioned alongside Modbus in 74% (12.7k) of relevant job posts

DNP3

DNP3 is a communication protocol primarily used in SCADA systems and is thus a competitor, providing similar functionality in certain domains, particularly those related to utilities.

mentioned alongside Modbus in 75% (4.6k) of relevant job posts

Profibus

Profibus is a fieldbus standard often used in industrial automation, competing with Modbus in similar applications.

mentioned alongside Modbus in 34% (7.7k) of relevant job posts

Ethernet/IP

Ethernet/IP is an industrial Ethernet protocol that competes with Modbus, particularly Modbus TCP, in industrial automation applications.

mentioned alongside Modbus in 37% (6.2k) of relevant job posts

LonWorks

LonWorks (Local Operating Network) is a platform used for control networks, particularly in building automation. It competes with Modbus in these application areas.

mentioned alongside Modbus in 79% (2.5k) of relevant job posts

LON

LON (Local Operating Network) is a platform used for control networks, particularly in building automation. It competes with Modbus in these application areas. It is essentially the same as LonWorks

mentioned alongside Modbus in 64% (2.5k) of relevant job posts

IEC 61850

IEC 61850 is a standard for communication networks and systems in substations. It's a competitor in the power industry automation space.

mentioned alongside Modbus in 51% (3k) of relevant job posts

Profinet

Profinet is an industrial Ethernet protocol and evolution of Profibus. It's used in industrial automation and competes with Modbus TCP.

mentioned alongside Modbus in 28% (5k) of relevant job posts

Modbus Complementary Technologies

OPC

OPC (OLE for Process Control) provides a standard interface for accessing data from various industrial devices, including Modbus devices. It serves as a layer on top of protocols like Modbus to provide interoperability.

mentioned alongside Modbus in 50% (6.6k) of relevant job posts

OPC UA

OPC UA is a platform-independent standard for data exchange in industrial automation. It can be used alongside Modbus to provide a more modern and secure interface.

mentioned alongside Modbus in 33% (3.8k) of relevant job posts

MQTT

MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight messaging protocol often used for IoT applications. It can be used to transport data from Modbus devices to cloud platforms or other systems, making it complementary.

mentioned alongside Modbus in 16% (4.4k) of relevant job posts