The MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol allows the transport and sending of messages via Publisher/subscription, it is based on the client/server model, extremely light, ideal for remote connectivity, sending data to the cloud with little code and minimal bandwidth. These principles make this protocol ideal for "Machine-to-Machine" (M2M) communications and for IoT (Internet of Things) and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) applications in order to facilitate the connection of devices, such as sensors, meters, industrial controllers, directly to the cloud.
Factory Talk Optix allows the implementation of applications using MQTT with the advantage of having a communication driver for Ethernet/IP network (among others) as a connection to industrial controllers.
In this note, we present the ways and demonstrate how easy it is to implement MQTT in FactoryTalk Optix, connecting with a CompactLogix automation controller (1769-L36ERM) and sending data via MQTT to a broker, allowing devices and controllers on the factory floor (machines and processes) to send data directly to the cloud.
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MQTT is a publish/subscribe protocol designed to connect IoT devices. Unlike the HTTP request/response paradigm, MQTT operates in an event-driven manner, allowing messages to be sent to clients. This architectural approach enables highly scalable solutions, decoupling data producers and consumers, eliminating dependencies between them. Two main components for establishing the MQTT connection for publishing and subscribing to messages are the MQTT Clients and the MQTT Broker.
FactoryTalk® Optix™ enables system developers to improve their processes, efficiency, and deliverables with a modern, cloud-enabled HMI platform that allows you to design, test, and deploy applications directly from a web browser – anytime, anywhere. This new open platform offers:
Design options: Create and test your designs in a modern, object-oriented programming environment.
Deployment options: Create your application program once and deploy it to any device.
Graphics options: Style your graphics to cater to a global audience and deliver a responsive experience.
Extensible options: Openness and interoperability through machine-to-machine and machine-to-cloud communications enabled by native OPC UA, MQTT, and IOT connectivity, with an open C# interface.
ADVANTAGES
Lightweight and efficient - MQTT clients are very small, require minimal resources, so they can be used in small microcontrollers. MQTT message headers are small to optimize network bandwidth.
Two-way communications - MQTT enables device-to-cloud and cloud-to-device messaging. This makes it easier to transmit messages to groups of things.
Reliable message delivery - Message delivery reliability is important for many IoT use cases. That's why MQTT has 3 defined quality of service levels: 0 - at most once, 1- at least once, 2 - exactly once.
Support for untrusted networks - Many IoT devices connect over untrusted cellular networks. MQTT support for persistent sessions reduces the time to reconnect the client with the broker
Safety Enabled - MQTT makes it easy to encrypt messages using TLS and authenticate clients using modern authentication protocols such as OAuth.
LIMITATIONS AND DISADVANTAGES
One of the disadvantages of using the MQTT protocol is that messages are not stored in the Broker.
Network dependency. It needs stable and constant connection for proper operation.
KNOWLEDGE
THEN Windows
MQTT – Concepts and fundamentals
FT-Optix – Basic Knowledge
Studio 5000 – Basic knowledge
Visual Studio C# - Basic Knowledge
IS THIS USEFUL TO ME?
Easy to implement
Easy to add new devices/clients in the architecture
Has security and encryption features (SSL/TLS)
Currently one of the easiest protocols to implement to transport IoT and IIoT telemetry data to the cloud
HOW CAN I MAKE IT WORK?
You will need the following software:
Important: FactoryTalk Optix Studio uses C# as the backend language – NetLogic. We recommend installing Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 Community (after installing FT-Optix).
