Utilizing medium-range communications

While short-range communication technologies had a maximum range between 10 meters and 100 meters, medium-range communications technologies will let us communicate at a distance of up to 1 km. Let’s briefly discuss two of them.

RS-485

Wireless signals are not suitable in certain situations where the signals could interfere with the operation of machines, such as in a hospital setting, or where the machines could interfere with the signals, such as in a factory. In these situations, it is normal to utilize cables. The RS-485 standard defines the electrical communications for communication between two systems without specifying the protocol to be used. The cable used in RS-485 communications may be as long as 1.2 km long while resisting electromagnetic interference from electric motors.

RS-485 isn’t limited to industrial settings and is also utilized in building automation and the control of lights and security panels.

When...