Technology - What is RS-232?

RS-232 (Recommended Standard - 232) is a telecommunications standard for binary serial communications between devices. It supplies the roadmap for the way devices speak to each other using serial ports. The devices are commonly referred to as a DTE (data terminal equipment) and DCE (data communications equipment), and could include items like a computer and modem, respectively.

Updated designations for this protocol have included EIA-232 (Electronic Industries Alliance) and the more current EIA/TIA-232 (Telecommunications Industry Association). These organizations have voluntarily taken on the protocol and the task of improving it. Though it is sponsored by organizations in the United States, the most current variety is compatible with a standard known as ITU v.24 (International Telecommunication Union). Compliance with the international standard helps manufacturers turn out products that will work in a global marketplace.

ITU is a United Nations organization and its v.24 (pronounced vee dot twenty-four) communication standards are considered recommendations. In the past, however, the slow nature of the organizations behind international standards sometimes led to varying protocols in the marketplace and the adoption of standards before they were officially "sanctioned." Today, these organizations have streamlined the process of developing and disseminating new standards.