Communication Protocols
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Baud Rate | The number of signal or symbol changes (modulation events) per second in a communication channel. Commonly used in serial communication to define data transmission speed. |
| Crossover Cable | A type of Ethernet cable used to directly connect two network devices, such as two computers, without requiring a switch or hub. |
| Dynamic Host configuration Protocol (DHCP) | A network management protocol used to automatically assign IP addresses and other network configuration parameters to devices on a network. |
| Ethernet | A standard for wired local area networks (LANs) that provides a framework for devices to communicate over a network using MAC addresses. |
| Gateway | A network device or software that acts as a bridge, enabling communication and data transfer between two different networks or protocols. |
| High-Speed Link | A MapleLogic-specific communication protocol designed for fast and efficient data exchange between Maple Systems PLC devices. |
| Internet Protocol (IP) | The primary protocol for routing data across networks in the form of packets. It is used in conjunction with protocols like TCP and UDP. |
| Leased Line Modem | A modem used with leased lines, which are dedicated communication lines provided by telecom companies for constant connectivity between locations. |
| Loader | A software utility or hardware device used to upload and download programs or configurations to/from a PLC or other devices. |
| Master (Client) | A device or system in a communication network that initiates and controls data exchanges with subordinate devices. |
| Media Access Control (MAC) | A unique hardware address assigned to a network interface for device identification in a local network. |
| Modbus Remote Terminal Unit (Modbus RTU) | A serial communication protocol commonly used in industrial automation, employing a binary data format for communication. |
| Modbus Transmission Control Protocol (Modbus TCP) | An Ethernet-based implementation of the Modbus protocol, allowing communication between devices over IP networks. |
| Modem | A device that converts digital signals to analog for transmission over communication lines and vice versa, enabling data transfer between networks. |
| Null Modem | A type of serial cable or adapter used to connect two devices directly without a modem, reversing certain pins for proper signal flow. |
| PLC Link | A communication method to interconnect multiple PLC devices for data exchange and synchronization. |
| RS-232 | A standard for serial communication that uses simple wiring and low data transfer rates, typically for short-distance communication. |
| RS-422 | A serial communication standard that supports higher data transfer rates and longer distances compared to RS-232, using differential signaling. |
| RS-485 | A serial communication standard allowing multiple devices to share the same communication bus over long distances using differential signaling. |
| Serial | A communication method where data is transmitted sequentially, bit by bit, over a single channel or wire. |
| Slave (Server) | A subordinate device in a communication network that responds to commands or requests initiated by the master. |
| Straight-through Cable | An Ethernet cable used to connect devices of different types, such as a computer to a network switch or router. |
| Subnet Mask | A value used in IP networking to divide an IP address into network and host portions, enabling subnetting. |
| Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) | A core internet protocol providing reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data between applications over a network. |
| Twisted Pair | A type of cabling where two conductors are twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference, commonly used in Ethernet cables. |
| Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) | A common type of twisted pair cable used in networking, without additional shielding to prevent interference. |
| User | A custom communication protocol defined by the user to enable data exchange between a device and third-party systems, tailored to specific application requirements. |
| User Datagram Protocol (UDP) | A communication protocol providing fast but unreliable data delivery, used in applications where speed is critical, such as streaming. |