MQTT Server (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) – a software component that ensures the functioning of the MQTT protocol, a lightweight message exchange protocol designed for devices with limited capabilities and unreliable networks.
MQTT server is a key component of the MQTT ecosystem and performs the following main functions:
- Receiving and delivering messages from publisher clients (publishers);
- Managing subscriptions of subscriber clients (subscribers);
- Filtering and routing messages according to topics;
- Providing various levels of quality of service (QoS);
- Managing client sessions and handling connection breaks.
Data exchange through an MQTT server occurs asynchronously, which is especially effective for IoT devices, mobile applications, and other systems operating under wireless connection conditions or limited bandwidth.
Popular MQTT Servers
Various implementations of MQTT servers are available on the market:
- Mosquitto – a lightweight broker with open source code and low resource consumption from the Eclipse Foundation;
- HiveMQ – a scalable MQTT broker for enterprise deployment;
- EMQ X – a high-performance open-source broker for IoT;
- VerneMQ – a distributed MQTT broker built on Erlang/OTP;
- ActiveMQ – a multi-protocol message broker from Apache, supporting MQTT;
- AWS IoT Core – a cloud MQTT server from Amazon;
- Azure IoT Hub – a cloud solution from Microsoft with MQTT support.
Applications of MQTT Servers
MQTT servers have found wide application in various fields:
- Internet of Things (IoT) – data exchange between sensors, controllers, and central networks;
- Smart home – communication between home devices and control chains;
- Metrics – collection of data from remote telemetry devices in the industrial sector;
- Mobile applications – efficient message exchange under wireless connection conditions;
- Building automation – management of climate lighting, heating, ventilation;
- Automotive industry – data transmission in the service sector.
MQTT server is an important part of modern distributed systems, especially in the era of Internet technology development and smart devices, providing reliable and efficient data exchange between various system components.