MQTT
MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight messaging protocol designed for constrained devices and unreliable networks. It uses a publish-subscribe model where devices publish messages to topics and other devices subscribe to receive them, with a central broker managing the distribution. MQTT was designed for scenarios where bandwidth is limited, connections are intermittent, and devices have minimal processing power. For non-technical readers, MQTT is the communication language many smart devices use. When your home thermostat reports its temperature, or a factory sensor reports machine status, they often use MQTT. The protocol is designed to be simple and efficient, sending small messages reliably even over poor connections. MQTT 5.0, released in 2019, added features like message expiry, topic aliases, and enhanced authentication, making it suitable for more demanding enterprise scenarios. The protocol is an OASIS standard and is supported by all major cloud platforms and countless devices.
Official WebsiteWhen to use MQTT
Use MQTT for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, telemetry collection, sensor networks, and any scenario where devices with limited resources need to communicate reliably. It's ideal when bandwidth is expensive or unreliable, such as mobile networks or remote locations.
MQTT is also valuable for real-time messaging applications where low latency matters, such as chat systems or live updates. Its simplicity makes it appropriate when you need a lightweight alternative to heavier protocols.
Why choose MQTT?
Teams choose MQTT for its efficiency and reliability in challenging conditions. The protocol's small overhead means devices can communicate without draining batteries or consuming expensive bandwidth. Built-in quality-of-service levels let you balance reliability against performance. Wide support across platforms, devices, and cloud services makes integration straightforward.