Understanding Modbus TCP-IP: An In depth Exploration

Introduction

The Modbus TCP/IP protocol is a cornerstone in the realm of industrial communication systems. It is an application layer messaging protocol that works in conjunction with ethernet, to enable client/server communication between devices connected on different types of networks. Originating as a Modbus serial protocol (Modbus RTU), Modbus has evolved to embrace modern technologies such as TCP/IP, playing a crucial role in areas ranging from building automation and energy management systems to complex industrial automation processes. With a focus on simplicity and robustness, this protocol has widespread adoption due to its ease of use, openness, and ability to integrate diverse devices into a network, making it the protocol of choice for many applications.

Modbus TCP/IP: Basic Concepts and Principles

Let’s begin to understand the basic functioning of Modbus TCP/IP, as to how it leverages modern technology to ensure seamless communication between electronic devices in industrial automation.

What is Modbus TCP/IP

Modbus TCP/IP is an adaptation of the well-established Modbus protocol for use over TCP/IP networks. It provides a standardized TCP interface that allows Modbus devices to communicate seamlessly over an Ethernet network, enabling efficient and reliable data exchange. Hence, its primary function is to establish a bridge for Modbus communication over Ethernet-based systems, which are ubiquitous in today's interconnected world.

The Modbus TCP/IP messaging protocol inherits the simplicity and robustness (by retaining the message structure, register-based communication, etc.) of the original Modbus protocol, adding TCP/IP's reliability and interoperability. It encapsulates the traditional Modbus data in a TCP/IP packet, enabling the data to be transported over standard network infrastructures.

Modbus TCP/IP utilizes TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) as the underlying transport protocol. TCP ensures reliable and ordered delivery of Modbus messages over the network by providing features such as data segmentation, acknowledgment, and retransmission.

The protocol relies on the IP layer (Internet layer) for addressing, routing, and packet delivery. It uses IP addresses to identify the source and destination devices in a network. IP ensures that Modbus TCP/IP messages are appropriately routed between devices connected to the Ethernet network.

The encapsulation of Modbus messages within TCP/IP packets takes place in the client-server model. This model designates one device as a client that initiates requests, while other devices act as servers that process these requests and send responses.

Modbus TCP/IP thus offers an elegant solution for facilitating Modbus communication over modern network infrastructures, enhancing the protocol's relevance in today's digitized industrial landscape. A few of its highlight features have been discussed further.

Basic principles of Modbus TCP/IP

The Modbus protocol family, including Modbus TCP/IP, centers around a few fundamental concepts and principles that serve as the foundation for its operation. These are stated below:

1. Client/Server Architecture: The Modbus messaging structure is a command/response protocol and requires a client (also TCP client) that requests data and a server that processes requests and returns a response.

2. Register-based Communication: In the realm of Modbus, data is stored in four basic data entities, namely, Discrete Inputs, Coils, Input Registers, and Holding Registers. These entities are essential for the organization and interpretation of data within a Modbus system. Discrete Inputs and Coils deal with binary information, while Input and Holding Registers handle numerical data.

3. Addressing: Modbus employs a simple addressing scheme to identify the registers being accessed. The addressing typically uses numerical values to specify the starting register address and the number of registers to read or write.

4. Function Codes based Read/Write operations: Data access in Modbus is defined by the function code field in the Modbus data frame. These function codes are critical as they specify the type of action to be performed on a data entity. Actions can range from reading and writing to data manipulation functions.

5. Transaction-oriented: An essential principle of Modbus is its transaction-oriented nature. Each request made by a Modbus client is independent of all others. This transactional property allows Modbus to be employed in a broad spectrum of applications and use cases.

TCP/IP vs Modbus TCP/IP

Fig 1. TCP/IP Model & Modbus (application layer)

Whether TCP/IP and Modbus TCP/IP are synonymous, or distinct technologies, would be an evident curiosity for a beginner. The following section offers you the right clarity on these terminologies.

The TCP/IP protocol stack is the backbone of the internet and most modern networks. It is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. Since this protocol is widely used over an ethernet network, it is also called Ethernet TCP/IP. On the other hand, Modbus TCP/IP is a protocol specifically designed for communication in industrial automation and control systems over TCP/IP networks.

While TCP/IP communication serves as a general-purpose protocol designed for transmitting data packets on the internet, Modbus TCP/IP is specialized, utilizing the TCP/IP stack for industrial applications. Modbus TCP/IP utilizes the transport and network capabilities of TCP/IP at the lower layers while operating at the application layer to carry Modbus messaging structure data over the internet or local network infrastructures.

Data Handling: A fundamental difference lies in their data handling approach. TCP/IP functions as a carrier of bytes, forming a comprehensive suite of protocols that establishes the basis for network communication. It operates at the lower layers of the protocol stack, concentrating on tasks like addressing, routing, sequencing, error detection, and retransmission. 

TCP/IP breaks down messages or files into packets for transmission over the internet, which are subsequently reconstructed at their intended destination. However, it is important to note that TCP/IP does not possess an inherent understanding of the content it carries; it treats the data as raw bytes.

However, Modbus TCP/IP encompasses data structure definitions. It not only carries data but also understands the nature of the data it carries, such as whether the data represents a command or response, or which data type (coil, discrete input, input register, or holding register) the data belongs to.

In TCP/IP, data is transferred without any specific action related to the data. In contrast, Modbus TCP/IP involves specific actions performed on the data, such as reading or writing to a register or coil.

Versatility: Furthermore, TCP/IP operates independently of any specific application, making it highly versatile for many different types of data communication. Modbus TCP/IP, however, is application-specific, designed to work within the parameters of industrial automation systems and to communicate specific types of information related to these systems.

Thus, while both are integral to modern network communications, TCP/IP serves as the underpinning transport protocol, and Modbus TCP/IP offers a tailored solution for specific industrial communication needs.

Modbus TCP/IP Architecture

Modbus TCP/IP Architecture represents a layered approach to network communications. This architecture comprises two main components: the TCP/IP stack and the Modbus Application Protocol (MBAP). The integration of the Modbus protocol with TCP/IP is achieved by the inclusion of the MBAP header before the usual Modbus message structure.

The TCP/IP stack constitutes the lower layers, including the physical layer (Ethernet), network layer (IP), and transport layer (TCP). This structure takes care of the physical and logical transmission of data across the network.

The MBAP, positioned above the TCP/IP stack (as part of the application layer), is responsible for encapsulating the Modbus message inside a TCP/IP packet. This architecture allows for seamless communication of Modbus data over standard network infrastructure.

At the heart of the architecture is the Modbus message. Modbus TCP/IP messages contain a Modbus Application Protocol header, a Function code indicating the message operation, and the Data field, which varies depending on the Function code. The messages are constructed in a format that allows them to be easily processed and understood by devices in the network.

This layered structure is crucial for achieving seamless interoperability across different devices in a Modbus network. It also aids in maintaining the simplicity and robustness of the Modbus protocol, even as it adapts to work over modern network technologies.

Modbus Application Protocol (MBAP)

Modbus TCP/IP Data Frame. Credits: Research Gate.

The Modbus Application Protocol (MBAP) is a key component of the Modbus TCP/IP protocol. It's an application layer protocol that defines the data encoding for communication between devices in a Modbus TCP/IP network. The MBAP header plays a vital role in the successful delivery of Modbus messages over TCP/IP networks.

The MBAP header is a 7-byte structure prefixed to the standard Modbus message. This header includes three primary fields: 

1. Transaction Identifier (2 bytes): The Transaction Identifier is a unique identification number for each transaction.

2. Protocol Identifier (2 bytes): The Protocol Identifier is set to 0 for Modbus services.

3. Length (2 bytes): The Length (or byte count) field indicates the number of remaining bytes in the message. It is used to determine the size of the message payload, allowing the recipient to properly handle and process the data. 

4. Unit Identifier (1-byte): It identifies the target device or unit within a Modbus network.

The use of MBAP encapsulation enables the Modbus TCP/IP protocol to utilize the robust, reliable transport mechanism of TCP/IP while maintaining the simplicity and straightforwardness of the Modbus messaging structure. It serves as the bridge that integrates the Modbus protocol with modern network technologies.

TCP/IP Protocol

The TCP/IP protocol is the foundation for data communication over the Internet and within private networks. It's the underlying protocol that Modbus TCP/IP builds upon to enable industrial communication. The TCP/IP protocol stack is a four-layer model consisting of the Application, Transport, Internet, and Network Interface layers (as visible in Fig. 1). Let’s briefly discuss them below:

1. Application Layer: At the top, the Application layer provides protocols for specific data communication services. These protocols work directly with software applications such as web browsers or email clients. Examples include HTTP for web browsing and SMTP for email transmission.

2. Transport Layer: The Transport layer is responsible for end-to-end communication control, ensuring complete data transfer. Two principal protocols operate at this level: Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). TCP provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked data delivery. It manages packet sequencing, acknowledgment of packet receipt, and retransmission of lost data.

3. Internet Layer: The Internet layer, also known as the Network layer, is responsible for data routing across multiple networks. The key protocol at this level is the Internet Protocol (IP), which handles the addressing and routing of packets to their final destination. Each data packet carries both the sender's and recipient's IP addresses.

4. Network Interface Layer: Finally, the Network Interface layer, also referred to as the link layer or the physical layer, manages the physical transmission of data. It includes protocols like Ethernet and Wi-Fi, which define the electrical and physical specifications of devices.

In the context of Modbus TCP/IP, the MBAP (Modbus Application Protocol) sits at the Application layer of the TCP/IP stack. The MBAP encapsulates the Modbus protocol data units into TCP/IP packets. The TCP protocol, at the Transport layer, then ensures the reliable delivery of these packets across the network. Meanwhile, the IP protocol routes these packets to their destination based on the IP addresses, and the Network Interface layer handles the physical transmission over the network medium.

The TCP/IP protocol's versatility, robustness, and widespread adoption make it an ideal choice for Modbus to extend its reach to modern network technologies.

Device and Register Addressing

Understanding device and register addressing is crucial to working with Modbus TCP/IP, as it provides the mechanism to reference specific data points within a networked device. This section breaks down the core concepts related to the device and registers addressing in a Modbus TCP/IP network.

Device addressing in Modbus TCP/IP is handled at the IP level of the network. Unlike Modbus RTU or Modbus ASCII, where each device is assigned a unique slave ID in the range of 1-247, devices in a Modbus TCP/IP network are addressed using their IP addresses. The use of IP addressing allows for a vast number of devices to be connected and networked, each with its unique identifier, facilitating complex and large-scale industrial systems.

Meanwhile, register to address in Modbus TCP/IP pertains to the way data is accessed within a device. In Modbus, data is organized into four fundamental tables, each associated with a specific type of data:

• Coils (Read/Write, Boolean)

• Discrete Inputs (Read-Only, Boolean)

• Input Registers (Read-Only, 16-bit)

• Holding Registers (Read/Write, 16-bit)

Each table has a unique function code for accessing its data, and each data point within a table has a unique address, typically in the range of 0-65535. For example, a request to read the Holding Register at address 40001 would be sent with a function code of 3 (Read Holding Registers) and an address of 0 (since Modbus addressing is zero-based, meaning that the registers are numbered starting from 0, not 1).

One unique aspect of Modbus TCP/IP is that the protocol supports both unicast and multicast requests. Unicast requests are directed at a single device, using the device's unique IP address. In contrast, multicast requests are sent to a group of devices, using a multicast IP address. This feature allows for efficient and concurrent data access when dealing with multiple devices in a network.

Thus, the device and register to address in Modbus TCP/IP form a two-level hierarchical structure. The IP address identifies a specific device in the network, while the function code and data address identifies a specific data point within that device. This structure allows for precise control and data access in industrial automation systems.

How Modbus TCP/IP Works

Modbus TCP/IP follows a simple yet robust model for data communication and control. It is designed with an understanding that reliability, efficiency, and simplicity are paramount for industrial automation and process control applications. The framework of Modbus TCP/IP comprises different facets, from its inherent client-server model to specific methods of data transmission and querying.

Client-Server Communication

One of the defining aspects of Modbus TCP/IP is its client-server model. This model forms the backbone of data communication in a Modbus TCP/IP network.

In this model, a client sends a request to a server (or multiple servers), which then processes the request and sends back a response. The client is typically a human-machine interface (HMI), programmable logic controller (PLC), or any device requiring data or control over devices. The server, on the other hand, is typically a sensor, actuator, or other such device providing data or carrying out actions.

Each client request contains an MBAP header, a function code, and data fields. The MBAP header is unique to Modbus TCP/IP and includes details such as the transaction identifier and protocol identifier. The function code denotes the operation the client wants the server to perform. This could be reading data, writing data, or diagnosing the server. The data fields contain the details of the request, such as the registered address to read from or the value to write to a register.

The server processes the request as per the function code. If the request is to read data, the server retrieves the requested data from its registers. If the request is to write data, the server writes the provided value to the specified register. The server then sends a response back to the client, confirming the successful completion of the operation or indicating an error if the operation could not be completed.

This simple client-server model is at the heart of Modbus TCP/IP's operations. Its simplicity and robustness make it an excellent protocol for industrial automation and process control, where reliability and efficiency are crucial.

Modbus Functions

Modbus functions are integral to the operation of the Modbus TCP/IP protocol, providing the methods for a client to request various types of operations from a server. They are embedded within the client's request message, denoted by a unique function code.

Modbus functions are generally classified into two categories: 

i) Public functions: Public functions are pre-defined and universally accepted across all Modbus devices, while user-defined functions are custom-defined by individual manufacturers and may not be universally recognized.

Public Modbus functions cover a wide range of operations. A common one is the 'Read Holding Registers' function, denoted by function code 03. When a client sends a request with this function code, it is asking the server to provide the contents of certain holding registers. This function can read up to 125 registers in a single request.

Another significant function is 'Write Single Register', denoted by function code 06. It is used when a client wants to write a specific value to a particular holding register on the server. The data field of the request would contain the address of the register and the value to be written.

Function code 16, or 'Write Multiple Registers', is used when a client wishes to write values to multiple contiguous registers in a single request. The data field, in this case, would include the start address, the number of registers, and the set of values to be written.

ii) User-Defined functions: In contrast, user-defined functions provide manufacturers the flexibility to implement unique operations beyond the scope of the public functions. In other words, manufacturers and developers can define their own set of function codes and corresponding operations that suit their specific requirements. These user-defined functions allow for customization and flexibility in Modbus-based systems. They are represented by function codes in the range of 65-72 and 100-110. The exact functionality associated with these codes is proprietary to the manufacturer.

When implementing user-defined function codes, it is crucial to ensure compatibility and interoperability with other Modbus devices or systems. Clear documentation and adherence to the Modbus communication standards help to ensure proper communication and avoid conflicts or misunderstandings when using user-defined functions in Modbus networks.

The use of function codes allows for a standardized yet versatile method of requesting operations, contributing to the effectiveness of the Modbus TCP/IP protocol in industrial automation and process control systems.

Modbus TCP/IP vs Modbus RTU

Modbus TCP/IP and Modbus RTU are two significant variations of the Modbus protocol, each having its strengths and specific application areas. They differ in transmission mode, media, and speed, among other aspects.

Modbus TCP/IP is the Ethernet-based version of the protocol. It operates over TCP/IP networks, utilizing the TCP/IP stack for network communication. It has higher data speeds, typically up to 100 Mbps or more, and works over both local and wide area networks. This makes it suitable for large-scale industrial networks, where devices can be scattered across different geographic locations.

Modbus TCP/IP uses a client-server model where multiple clients can communicate with the server simultaneously due to the nature of Ethernet networks. This protocol version utilizes a 7-byte Modbus Application Protocol (MBAP) header before the Modbus PDU, which enables the routing of requests and responses over complex network topologies. Moreover, Modbus TCP/IP has no built-in error checking, as the underlying TCP/IP communication protocol takes care of this aspect.

On the other hand, Modbus RTU is a serial transmission version of Modbus, often used over RS-232 or RS-485 physical interfaces. It stands for "Remote Terminal Unit." The transmission speeds are generally slower than Modbus TCP/IP, typically a baud rate of up to 115200 bps, although this can be faster on some modern serial interfaces.

Modbus RTU operates based on a master-slave model. There is one master device that communicates with multiple slave devices, The master initiates all communication, with slaves responding to requests from the master.

The Modbus RTU message includes a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) error-checking field to ensure the integrity of data. This is crucial in industrial environments, where electrical noise can introduce errors in data transmission. The CRC field allows the receiving device to detect these errors and request retransmission of the data, if necessary. However, the CRC calculation adds some overhead to the communication process, as both the sender and receiver need to perform the calculation.

In choosing between Modbus TCP/IP and Modbus RTU, consideration must be given to factors such as the required data speed, the complexity of the network topology, the number of devices to be connected, and the environmental conditions.

Recommended reading: https://www.wevolver.com/article/modbus-rtu-vs-tcp-a-comprehensive-comparison-of-industrial-protocols

Modbus TCP/IP: Real-World Applications

Modbus TCP/IP in Industrial Automation

Modbus TCP/IP plays a pivotal role in industrial automation systems due to its openness, simplicity, and wide acceptance. It functions as a common communication protocol linking diverse industrial devices, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs), remote terminal units (RTUs), and sensors.

Its application in PLCs is widespread. A PLC with Modbus TCP/IP capabilities can connect with other PLCs and devices over Ethernet to create an integrated, multi-node control system. This can include a centralized PLC, issuing commands to peripheral PLCs, or a complex setup with PLCs sharing control responsibilities in a distributed network. This enhances the degree of automation, reduces human involvement, and significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of industrial processes.

Modbus TCP/IP is also extensively used in connecting RTUs in industrial settings. RTUs are typically applied in large-scale systems like oil and gas pipelines or water treatment plants, which span vast areas. Using Modbus TCP/IP, RTUs transmit data from field instruments back to a central control room, making it a critical component of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.

Modbus TCP/IP in Building Automation

In the domain of building automation, Modbus TCP/IP holds a significant place due to its versatility and ease of integration. Building automation systems (BAS) often incorporate a variety of subsystems, including HVAC, lighting control, access control, and fire safety systems, each potentially using different communication protocols.

In such scenarios, Modbus TCP/IP enables seamless communication between these subsystems. For example, HVAC systems often use Modbus TCP/IP to interface with controllers and sensors for monitoring parameters such as temperature, humidity, and air quality. This data can then be used to control HVAC operations automatically, optimizing for factors such as energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Similarly, Modbus TCP/IP facilitates interaction between lighting control systems and associated devices such as light sensors and dimmers. This interaction allows for the automated adjustment of lighting levels based on natural light availability or predefined schedules, enhancing energy efficiency.

Furthermore, Modbus TCP/IP serves as a vital link in integrating access control systems with other building systems. For instance, an access control system could signal the HVAC and lighting systems when a room is occupied, allowing these systems to adjust conditions according to occupancy.

Modbus TCP/IP in Energy Management

Modbus TCP/IP's role extends to energy management systems, a critical area for businesses seeking to optimize energy use and minimize costs. Modbus TCP/IP is a communication medium between various components of energy management systems, such as power meters, submeters, and energy management software.

Power meters are integral in monitoring energy usage across various equipment and circuits. Many modern power meters support Modbus TCP/IP and provide real-time data on electrical parameters such as voltage, current, power factor, and energy consumption. This real-time data is valuable for identifying areas of excessive energy use and implementing corrective measures.

Submeters are often used in larger facilities to track energy usage at a more granular level, such as by department, floor, or specific equipment. Like power meters, submeters frequently use Modbus TCP/IP to communicate with central energy management systems. By monitoring energy consumption at these smaller scales, businesses can further refine their energy-saving strategies, addressing specific areas of high usage that may not be apparent when looking at overall energy consumption.

Finally, Modbus TCP/IP facilitates the integration of power meters and submeters with energy management software. This software can collect and analyze the data provided by the meters to generate actionable insights, such as identifying peak demand periods, recognizing inefficiencies, and predicting future energy needs. These insights can inform a comprehensive energy management strategy, helping businesses to reduce energy waste, lower costs, and minimize their environmental impact.

Advantages of Modbus TCP/IP

Modbus TCP/IP offers several advantages that have made it a preferred protocol for industrial automation and other applications.

1. Seamless Integration: Firstly, the use of TCP/IP as the underlying transport protocol ensures wide compatibility and easy integration with existing network infrastructure. The ubiquitous nature of TCP/IP means that devices using Modbus TCP/IP can communicate across local area networks, wide area networks, and even the internet, providing significant flexibility in network design and scalability.

2. Simplicity & Efficiency: The simplicity of the Modbus protocol is another advantage. With its small, well-defined set of function codes and straightforward data model, Modbus is easy to implement in devices and software. This simplicity also results in less processing overhead, making the protocol efficient even on low-power devices.

3. Reliability & Robustness: Modbus TCP/IP benefits from the robustness of the TCP protocol, which offers reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of a stream of bytes. This reliability is critical in many industrial automation scenarios where the accurate delivery of control commands and status updates can directly impact the safety and productivity of the operation.

4. Scalability: Modbus TCP/IP supports a large address space, with up to 247 individual devices addressable in a single network. This makes it suitable for large-scale applications where many devices need to communicate. In addition, Modbus TCP/IP supports broadcasting, where a message from one device can be sent to all others on the network, enhancing the efficiency of network communications.

5. Open & Versatile: Lastly, the openness of the Modbus protocol is a significant advantage. The protocol specifications are freely available, and there is no licensing required to implement the protocol. This has led to a large ecosystem of Modbus-compatible devices and software, providing users with a wide range of options when designing their systems.

Limitations and Challenges of Modbus TCP/IP

While Modbus TCP/IP is widely used and brings numerous benefits, it is not without its challenges and limitations. Understanding these can help when deciding on whether to use this protocol or when troubleshooting a network that uses it.

1. Security: One key issue is security. Modbus was designed in an era before cybersecurity became a critical concern, and it lacks built-in security features. The protocol does not support encryption or authentication, meaning that data transmitted via Modbus TCP/IP can be easily intercepted and altered. It's also easy for unauthorized devices to join a Modbus network and start sending commands. This makes the protocol a poor fit for scenarios where sensitive data is being transmitted, or where unauthorized access could have serious consequences.

2. Device Configuration: Another challenge is that Modbus TCP/IP lacks support for some modern networking features. For instance, it does not support automatic device discovery, meaning that when a new device is added to a network, its address and other details must be manually configured. This can make setting up and maintaining a Modbus network more time-consuming than protocols that support automatic configuration.

3. Lacks Advanced Features: Modbus TCP/IP's simplicity, while an advantage in many ways, also means it lacks the flexibility and features of some more modern industrial protocols. For instance, it supports only a simple request/response communication model, with no support for event-driven or publish/subscribe communication. This means it may not be the best choice for scenarios that require complex communication patterns or real-time performance.

4. Dependency on TCP’s Congestion Control: The protocol also relies on TCP's congestion control mechanisms, which can lead to inefficiencies and delays in busy networks or long-distance connections. The congestion control mechanisms in TCP are designed for general-purpose networks, not the specific requirements of industrial automation. In some scenarios, this can lead to latency or jitter that exceeds what is acceptable for the control of real-time industrial processes.

5. Scalability: Modbus supports a large number of devices in theory, in practice the performance of the network can degrade as more devices are added, especially if many of them are broadcasting messages. This limitation is not unique to Modbus, but it's important to be aware of it when designing a large-scale system.

Conclusion

Modbus TCP/IP is an adaptation of the well-established Modbus RTU protocol, designed for use over TCP/IP networks. It carries the simplicity and reliability of the original protocol into the realm of Ethernet and Internet communication. With its open standard, it has gained wide acceptance in industrial automation and building management systems. Yet, there are concerns over the protocol's lack of security measures and other modern networking features that can affect its suitability for certain applications.

Despite these challenges, Modbus TCP/IP continues to be a relevant choice due to its widespread use, familiarity within the industry, and extensive library of supported devices. 

Profinet, as a robust fieldbus protocol, addresses the limitations of Modbus by offering real-time communication, advanced diagnostics, and precise control, making it a suitable choice for industrial automation applications.

As with all technical choices, the key is to understand the strengths, weaknesses, and suitability of the Modbus TCP/IP for the specific needs of the intended application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many devices can Modbus TCP/IP support on a network?

Modbus TCP/IP supports up to 247 individual devices on a single network. However, it doesn't inherently limit the number of devices that can be connected to a network. The limitation comes from the practical limitations coming from the Ethernet network itself, such as network traffic, network bandwidth, and device response times that may affect performance.

2. What types of data can Modbus TCP/IP transmit? 

Modbus TCP/IP can transmit a variety of data types including integers, floating-point numbers, ASCII strings, bitmaps, and mixed data types.

3. Does Modbus TCP/IP support wireless communication? 

Yes, Modbus TCP/IP can operate over any TCP/IP-based network, including Wi-Fi and other wireless networks. However, factors such as network reliability, signal strength, and latency may need to be considered when using wireless networks.

4. How secure is Modbus TCP/IP? 

Security is a notable limitation of the Modbus TCP/IP protocol. It does not support data encryption or user authentication in its standard form, making it vulnerable to data interception and unauthorized access. However, security can be implemented by employing additional measures such as VPNs, firewalls, and secure network configurations.

5. Can Modbus TCP/IP and Modbus RTU devices coexist in the same network? 

While Modbus TCP/IP and Modbus RTU use the same basic protocol, they are not directly compatible due to differences in their transport layers. Devices designed for Modbus RTU communication typically cannot communicate directly with devices using Modbus TCP/IP, and vice versa. However, there are gateways available that can convert between Modbus TCP/IP and Modbus RTU, allowing devices using different versions of the protocol to coexist on the same network.

References

https://modbus.org/docs/Modbus_Messaging_Implementation_Guide_V1_0b.pdf

https://theautomization.com/what-is-modbus-tcp-ip/