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What are the Differences Between Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP? How to Convert Them?

2026-08-20 · DAFOREN

Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP are two commonly used industrial communication protocols, which differ in communication methods and application scenarios.

Differences Between Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP

  • Communication Method: Modbus RTU transmits in serial mode, suitable for short-distance communication. Modbus TCP transmits over the network, suitable for long-distance and complex network environments.
  • Application Scenario: Modbus RTU is suitable for simple device control scenarios, such as sensors, actuators, etc. Modbus TCP is suitable for complex network management scenarios, such as industrial automation control systems.

How to Convert Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP?

Conversion between Modbus RTU and Modbus TCP usually requires a serial server, such as the SS200 four-channel serial server, which supports Modbus TCP/RTU transparent transmission and can realize conversion between the two protocols.

Characteristics of SS200 Four-Channel Serial Server

  • Supports Modbus TCP/RTU, MQTT, TCP/UDP, and other protocols.
  • Double RS485/RS232 to Ethernet, industrial-grade design, operating temperature range of -40~75℃.
  • High protection level, capable of adapting to harsh industrial environments.

Common Questions

Question?

What is Modbus RTU?

Modbus RTU is a serial communication protocol used for data transmission between devices.

Question?

What is Modbus TCP?

Modbus TCP is a communication protocol based on TCP/IP networks used for data transmission between devices.

Question?

How does the SS200 serial server support Modbus TCP/RTU transparent transmission?

The SS200 serial server is equipped with Modbus TCP/RTU transparent transmission functionality, which can directly convert Modbus RTU data to Modbus TCP data and vice versa.