# Bi-directional control NR - Arduino

**URL:** <https://discourse.nodered.org/t/bi-directional-control-nr-arduino/85056>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [31 January 2024 03:34 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/bi-directional-control-nr-arduino/85056 "2024-01-31T03:34:40Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 2

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**Author:** ![jbudd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5f8ce5/32.png) [@jbudd](https://discourse.nodered.org/u/jbudd)\
**Post date:** [31 January 2024 08:21 UTC](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/bi-directional-control-nr-arduino/85056/2 "2024-01-31T08:21:35Z")

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> [@Billy\_C](#):
>
> a few options that can be setup on the Arduino including Modbus and MQTT

> [@Advantech node-red](https://discourse.nodered.org/t/advantech-node-red/80323/9):
>
> MQTT is definitely the best way to do it on a more open local network.

Why are you even considering Modbus? Have you developed an affiliation for hexadecimal buffers since you posted that in another thread? 😜

> [@Billy\_C](#):
>
> What if we simplify it one step further and pretend the Arduino doesn’t have any logic other than hosting the physical IO for NR?

That's an effective strategy.  
Keep your logic in one place and just exchange commands and sensor readings with your remote devices.  
Personally I use ESP32s rather than Arduinos, smaller, cheaper and with on-board networking.  
There must be advantages to Arduino boards but I've not discovered them.

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