What protocols are commonly used for data transmission in RAWS?

The use of serial communication protocols such as RS-232 or RS-485 is essential in RAWS (Remote Automated Weather Stations) for data transmission due to their robustness and reliability in connecting devices and managing data flow over distances. These protocols are widely adopted in industrial applications, including environmental monitoring systems, because they enable reliable communication between sensors and data loggers, even in electrically noisy environments.

RS-232 is particularly suitable for short-distance communication, while RS-485 is favored for longer distances due to its ability to support multiple devices on a single network and its differential signaling, which improves noise immunity. This makes them ideal choices for the varied deployments typically seen in weather station infrastructures.

In contrast, other protocols like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth may introduce variability in connection stability, range, and power consumption, which might not meet the stringent requirements of a reliable weather monitoring system. Ethernet protocols are valuable for high-speed networking but are less suited for direct sensor connections seen in many RAWS applications. Hence, serial communication protocols are the most commonly utilized for data transmission in RAWS setups.