Maxim describes the features of their RS-485 line of transceivers. It’s important to chose transceivers for RS-485 communication that fall within the specifications of your network.
The RS-485 standard is used in many applications, such as professional stage lighting. There is no clock signal so all the devices have to be synchronized with start and stop bits that the master provides. It is also important that each device has a internal clock source that falls within the network’s specification.