In the world of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), MQTT has become the preferred protocol for collecting data from sensors and devices. Its lightweight nature, efficient use of bandwidth, and robust support for various devices make it ideal for IIoT applications. MQTT’s ability to handle high volumes of data with minimal overhead ensures reliable and real-time data transmission, making it the go-to solution for modern industrial data collection.
Choosing an MQTT Provider: More Complex Than It Seems
Selecting the right MQTT provider might seem straightforward at first, but it involves several critical considerations that can significantly impact the performance, security, and cost-effectiveness of your data collection system. The complexity arises from the need to balance various factors such as infrastructure capacity, security requirements, and service levels, while also considering future scalability and specific use case needs. Here's why making an informed choice is crucial:
7 Things to Evaluate When Choosing an MQTT Provider
1. Infrastructure Capacity
The MQTT infrastructure must support a high number of encrypted connections, necessitating computational power to handle numerous mTLS (mutual TLS) handshakes and the decryption of many packets. Ensure your provider can scale to meet these demands.
2. Number of Topics Per Device
Each device typically has multiple MQTT topics for data upload and command download. A high number of topics within an MQTT broker imposes significant resource constraints. Properly sizing the MQTT infrastructure is crucial to maintain performance and reliable data transmission.
3. Data Consumption Challenges
Consuming data from numerous topics can strain client resources, as they need to scale with the number of subscribed topics. Moreover, the MQTT protocol does not support collaborative consumption of the same set of topics. Consider whether the provider offers solutions, such as distributed client infrastructure or extensions that forward messages to more suitable technologies like Kafka.
4. Service Levels and Costs
Understand the guaranteed service levels of the MQTT provider to avoid unforeseen costs related to infrastructure modifications. Ensure the service agreements align with your performance and reliability requirements.
5. Security and Redundancy
Examine the provider’s architecture, including the software components used, their versions, and any potential security vulnerabilities. Evaluate the redundancy mechanisms, high availability, and backup procedures in place. Additionally, robust secret management mechanisms are essential to protect private keys used in mTLS negotiations, especially if there is a command channel back to your devices.
6. Connectivity
MQTT is often the protocol used for inbound communication within the platform provider due to its lightweight and efficient messaging capabilities, making it ideal for IoT applications. However, to fully leverage IoT ecosystems, supporting diverse connectivity options is essential. For instance, integrating MQTT with analytics and big data systems requires standard protocols such as JMS (Java Message Service) or AMQP (Advanced Message Queuing Protocol). These protocols facilitate seamless data exchange and ensure compatibility with various enterprise systems.
7. Connectors
MQTT brokers can connect devices and expose data to external partners, enhancing interoperability and data flow. Furthermore, the ability of your platform to manage and mediate different types of connectivity can significantly amplify business value. This capability allows the deployment of new functionalities and use-cases, such as real-time data analytics, predictive maintenance, and enhanced security measures, ultimately fostering innovation and driving business growth.Picking the right solution
Picking the right solution
After evaluating the critical aspects of MQTT providers, consider solutions well-regarded in the industry.
If you're looking for open-source solutions, allowing you to deploy in your own infrastructure and have full control over the solution, we think you should consider Mosquitto and EMQX, two very well known solutions on the market.
Mosquitto is a lightweight and efficient open-source MQTT broker known for its simplicity and reliability. It supports a wide range of platforms and is easy to deploy, making it ideal for both small embedded systems and full-scale servers. Its robust performance and active community support ensure a reliable solution for various IoT applications.
EMQX is a highly scalable and feature-rich open-source MQTT broker designed for high-performance applications. It supports massive concurrent connections, advanced security features, and various plugins for extended functionality. EMQX's flexibility and comprehensive support for MQTT standards make it a powerful alternative to commercial solutions, suitable for large-scale IoT deployments.
On the other hand, you might be looking for a turn-key solution, allowing you to go faster to market. One solution we've selected is Solace, named a leader in the 2024 IDC MarketScape for Event Brokering Software, is renowned for its robust performance, scalability, and comprehensive security features. Solace’s capabilities include advanced event mesh features and efficient data handling, making it a solid choice for IIoT applications.
By evaluating these aspects and considering solutions like those, you can choose an MQTT solution that meets your needs and ensures a secure, efficient, and reliable data transmission system for your IIoT applications.
