Which communication protocol is best?

[Jay_To_The_Be]

I'm programming a practice bot to be controlled with OSC on the side. I need help finding the best communication protocol for transferring simple numeric values from my laptop to the bot to drive it. It is just a 6 wheeled, single joystick controlled bot. The type of communication protocol has to be fast and reliable. Also, along with the communication methods, how can I send them from my laptop with this method? I wanted to go with Processing, and communicate the values via serial, but that would require a null modem cord, and I want this to be "as wireless as possible" I have the drive code already done in Wind River, but I just don't know how what method is superior, and how to use it. I'm used to Arduino, and this is just a huge leap for me. Thanks in advance!