TYPES OF COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS AND THEIR USE

by marketing on 13 de October de 2025

TYPES OF COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS AND THEIR USE

Communication protocols are essential for different devices, systems, or applications to exchange data in an orderly and efficient manner. From everyday internet use to more specialised environments such as industry or automation, these protocols allow information to flow correctly between different technologies.

At VARPE, we will review the main types of communication protocols, how they are classified, and in what contexts they are used. Whether you work in technology, are interested in how networks work, or simply want to better understand how devices communicate, this guide will provide you with a clear and accessible overview of the subject. 

WHAT ARE COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS?

Communication protocols are a set of rules and standards that enable data exchange between two or more devices. They function as a common language that all systems must follow so that information is transmitted correctly, without errors or misunderstandings.

In other words, a protocol establishes how communication is initiated, maintained and terminated, what format the data should have, how errors are detected and how they are corrected. Without these protocols, it would be impossible for computers, sensors, servers or any other interconnected equipment to ‘understand’ each other.

Although they are often associated with the internet or computer networks, communication protocols are also essential in fields such as robotics, home automation and industry, where they enable different systems and machines to work in a coordinated manner.

There are protocols designed for different levels of the communication process: some are responsible for the physical transmission of data (such as cables or signals), others for how that data is organised, and others for how it is interpreted when it reaches its destination. Therefore, there is no single protocol, but rather a wide variety that adapts to different needs and technologies. 

¿WHY ARE IMPORTANT IN THE WEIGHING INDUSTRYT?

In the weighing industry, communication protocols play a crucial role in ensuring that the data obtained by measurement systems is accurate, fast and available in real time to the rest of the production chain. When it comes to automated lines, quality control or product traceability, the way information is transmitted between devices is just as important as the measurement itself.

Thanks to industrial communication protocols, scales, checkweighers, labellers and other equipment can be seamlessly integrated with systems such as PLCs (programmable logic controllers), ERPs or SCADA software. This allows tasks such as weighing, product verification or rejection of out-of-tolerance units to be automated, all without human intervention.

In addition, good communication between equipment: 
Avoid human errors in manual data entry.
Increase operational efficiency, reducing downtime.    
It facilitates traceability, as each piece of data is recorded and accessible.
Improve decision-making by having accurate information in real time.  
For these reasons, choosing the right communication protocol for the needs of the industrial environment is a key decision in ensuring optimal performance of the weighing system.  

CLASSIFICATION OF COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL TYPES

There are different types of communication protocols, each designed to fulfil a specific function within the data transmission process. This classification provides a better understanding of how information flows from its source to its destination, especially in complex systems such as industrial ones.

The main categories are presented below:  

Protocolos de red

Examples: IP (Internet Protocol),

Ethernet These protocols are responsible for directing data across a network, defining the best route to reach the correct destination. They are essential in any connected system, whether local (LAN) or wide area (WAN), and allow multiple devices to share information simultaneously. 

Protocolo de enlace

Examples: Modbus, Profibus, CAN

They operate at the layer that establishes and controls the physical connection between devices. They ensure that data is transmitted without errors between two directly connected devices, such as a dynamic checkweigher.

Protocolos de transporte

Examples: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol)

Their main function is to ensure that data arrives intact and in the correct order. TCP, for example, verifies each packet sent and ensures its correct reception, while UDP is faster but does not guarantee delivery. 

Protocolos de aplicación

Examples: HTTP, FTP, MQTT

These are used in the layer closest to the user or the end system. They allow, for example, data to be viewed on a web interface (HTTP), files to be transferred (FTP) or information to be sent from IoT sensors (MQTT). 
Each of these types can be found, to a greater or lesser extent, in industrial environments. The choice of the appropriate protocol depends on the type of data, the required speed, the robustness of the network, and the degree of integration with other systems. 

MAIN PROTOCOLS USED IN INDUSTRIAL WEIGHING SOLUTIONS

In industrial environments, such as production lines where dynamic weighing systems or checkweighers are used, communication between equipment must be fast, accurate and reliable. To achieve this, industrial communication protocols specifically designed for this type of application are used. Below are some of the most common protocols in the weighing sector:

Modbus (RTU/TCP)

Modbus is one of the most widely used protocols in the industry. Its Modbus RTU version is used with serial communication (such as RS-485), while Modbus TCP is implemented over Ethernet networks. It is easy to implement and allows multiple devices to be connected to a network, such as weight control systems, sensors and PLCs. 

Ethernet / IP

This protocol enables fast, real-time communication over industrial Ethernet networks. It is compatible with many PLCs and SCADA systems, and is ideal for environments where high data volumes and rapid synchronisation between weighing and line control equipment are required. 

OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture)

Designed for interoperability, OPC UA enables different devices and platforms to communicate in a standardised manner, regardless of the manufacturer. It is very useful when seeking seamless integration between weighing equipment and higher-level systems such as ERPs or databases. 

CANopen

Used primarily in embedded systems or mobile machinery, CANopen is efficient in environments with space limitations or where high reliability is required in the transmission of commands between electronic modules. 

MQTT

Modbus is one of the most widely used protocols in the industry. Its Modbus RTU version is used with serial communication (such as RS-485), while Modbus TCP is implemented over Ethernet networks. It is easy to implement and allows multiple devices to be connected to a network, such as weight control systems, sensors and PLCs. 
Each of these protocols offers specific advantages depending on the production environment, the type of machinery and the customer's network architecture. For this reason, many advanced weighing solutions, such as those from VARPE, are designed to operate with multiple protocols, thus facilitating integration and adaptability to different industrial environments. 

HOW COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS ARE APPLIED IN OUR DAY-TO-DAY LIVES

Communication protocols are present in virtually every aspect of our connected lives, from sending a message on our mobile phones to managing an automated production line. They are responsible for ensuring that information reaches its destination correctly, without errors and in the shortest possible time.

Knowing the types of communication protocols and understanding how they work helps us appreciate the complexity of the technological systems we use every day. Furthermore, in industrial environments, this understanding is key to making more informed decisions when integrating devices, improving processes or ensuring secure and efficient communication between machines.

In short, behind every connection — whether between two computers, between a weight control system or between a sensor and the cloud — there is a protocol enabling that exchange. And the better it is chosen and implemented, the better the results will be. 

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