What type of system is not recommended to have more than 32 devices connected?

RS-485 communications systems are known for their ability to support multiple devices in a network, but they come with specific limitations when it comes to the number of devices that can be connected. In typical configurations, RS-485 systems can accommodate up to 32 devices without significant performance degradation. This limitation arises due to the electrical characteristics of the RS-485 standard, which specifies a certain number of device loads and transmission distances. Exceeding this number can lead to issues with signal integrity and communication reliability, making it challenging to effectively transmit data across the network.

On the other hand, Ethernet networks can support a larger number of devices due to their ability to segment traffic and use switches, while wireless communication systems can also connect numerous devices depending on the bandwidth and configuration. Fiber optic networks excel in high device counts and long-distance data transmission without degrading performance. Thus, the recommendation against connecting more than 32 devices refers specifically to RS-485 communications, highlighting its design limitations in practical applications.