MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight messaging protocol based on the publish/subscribe model, designed for environments with constrained resources, such as embedded systems and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It enables devices to transmit messages efficiently and reliably over insecure or unstable networks with minimal overhead, making it ideal for low-bandwidth and energy-constrained networks.
MQTT uses the publish/subscribe model, meaning that messages are not exchanged directly between devices but are managed through a central broker. The broker receives messages from publishers and distributes them to subscribers based on specified topics. This model ensures efficient data flow, particularly in scenarios where devices may be intermittently online or network conditions are unreliable.
Despite being lightweight, MQTT incorporates essential security features. It supports SSL/TLS encryption to protect data during transmission, ensuring secure communication across networks. MQTT also allows for authentication via usernames and passwords, ensuring that only authorized devices can interact with the broker, which is critical when handling sensitive data.
MQTT is widely used in home automation systems for controlling smart devices and in industrial automation for connecting machines and sensors. It is also applied in sectors like environmental monitoring, where it helps transmit data from remote sensors efficiently, and in healthcare for real-time monitoring of medical devices.