What is MQTT?
Definition of MQTT
MQTT, or Message Queuing Telemetry Transport, is a messaging technology based on the TCP/IP protocol. In the MQTT architecture, there are two main entities: users and intermediaries, often called brokers. These brokers act as central servers, relaying information between different users. Instead of direct communication, users exchange their data through these brokers. Each user can play the role of broadcaster, receiver or both at the same time.
Focused on responsiveness, MQTT favors one-off rather than continuous transmissions. A user shares data only when it has relevant updates, and the broker, in turn, transmits this information to receivers only when it receives updated data.
A lightweight but robust protocol
You might think that, given its simplicity, MQTT would perform less well than other protocols, such as HTTP. Yet, it is astonishing to note that MQTT, as lightweight as it is, outperforms HTTP in speed, being 93 times faster under conditions like 3G networks.
The usefulness of MQTT lies in its ability to integrate seamlessly into IoT projects. With the explosion of connected devices, it is essential to have a protocol that can effectively manage communication between these devices. Thanks to its light weight, robustness and simplicity, MQTT is often the preferred choice for these tasks. Its ability to secure exchanges and guarantee rapid data transmission makes it an invaluable tool for today's connected world.
Why use Sparkplug B with MQTT?
Towards better structuring with Sparkplug B
If MQTT is so good, why do you need Sparkplug B? MQTT is very open, leaving many aspects, such as topic naming or message structure, without standardization. On the one hand, this gives incredible freedom to structure information. But on the other hand, it can lead to inconsistencies, especially when various parties try to collaborate. Sparkplug B fills this gap, by formalizing these elements for better adoption in the industrial sector.
The ambitions of Sparkplug B
Sparkplug B is not just an improvement or an update, it is a vision reimagined to meet the complex needs of the industrial world. And this vision manifests itself through three crucial objectives.
- Redefine the nomenclature: The first is the optimization of topic names. Instead of letting each entity decide its own terminology, Sparkplug provides a more cohesive structure, designed specifically for the industry. It's a bit like standardizing the language used in an international conference: it ensures that everyone can communicate with each other.
- Equipment status management : Instead of easily relaying messages like MQTT does, Sparkplug introduces a mechanism to actively track the status of devices. How ? Thanks to what we could call "status messages". These messages are specifically designed to monitor, report and alert on the status of different equipment.
- Structuring for industry: Instead of just transmitting raw data, Sparkplug structures the message to highlight key elements. This could be, for example, the detection of a threshold exceeded, an abnormal value or a critical operating condition.
How does MQTT work with Sparkplug B?
Technological architecture
MQTT, as a messaging protocol, was designed with a vision of openness, providing the flexibility to adapt to various applications. But this flexibility can sometimes be a double-edged sword. Sparkplug B, based on MQTT, offers precise topic structure, state management via MQTT, and data model definitions essential for IIoT and Industry 4.0.
What are the components of the Sparkplug B infrastructure?
To understand the synergy between Sparkplug B and MQTT, let's take a close look at Sparkplug's infrastructure:
- MQTT broker: At the heart of the system is the MQTT broker. Its main role is to ensure that each message is delivered correctly. It receives, processes and redirects messages, ensuring the fluidity and synchronization of communication.
- Management applications: They are like the operational brain of the system. Using the data they receive, they control machines, initiate actions, make decisions and analyze trends.
- MQTT nodes at the network edge (MQTT EON): They serve as relays. Located between the devices and the broker, they capture information from the devices and transfer it to the broker, often acting as filters or signal amplifiers.
- Devices: They are the source of everything. Whether sensors, machines, or other industrial elements, they are the ones that generate and transmit the primary data on which the entire system is based.
Conclusion
The advent of Sparkplug B and MQTT represents a revolution in the world of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0. These technologies, in perfect symbiosis, redefine the methods of communication and interaction within industrial systems. The dynamism of MQTT, combined with the precision and structure offered by Sparkplug B, creates a robust and efficient platform, ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
