The MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol is a lightweight, publish-subscribe network protocol designed to facilitate communication between devices in a low-bandwidth, high-latency, or unreliable network environment. Initially developed for connecting oil pipelines via satellite, it has become a popular choice for the Internet of Things (IoT) due to its efficiency and simplicity.
A MID (Measuring Instruments Directive) certificate ensures that measuring instruments meet the necessary requirements set by the European Union. This certification guarantees the accuracy, reliability, and quality of measuring devices used in various industries, ensuring compliance with EU regulations.
Table of Contents
Understanding the MQTT Protocol in IoT
MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight messaging protocol that is designed to support communication between devices and applications in an IoT (Internet of Things) environment. It is a publish-subscribe model that allows devices to publish messages to a broker and to subscribe to messages from other devices or applications. The protocol is designed to be highly efficient, using minimal bandwidth and resources, making it ideal for use in low-power IoT devices.
- A digital certificate is an electronic document that verifies the identity of a device or application.
- MQTT devices and brokers can use digital certificates to authenticate each other, ensuring that the data being exchanged is being sent and received by trusted parties.
Mqtt Security: Safeguard Connected Devices: In the context of MQTT, a MID certificate refers to a digital certificate that is used to authenticate an MQTT broker that has implemented a specific MID proposal. This type of certificate is issued by a trusted third-party certificate authority and is used to ensure that the broker implementing the MID proposal is trusted and authentic.
Also Read: Top WordPress Newsletter Templates
TLS/SSL – MQTT Security Fundamentals
MID (MQTT Improvement Proposal) is a proposal process for the development of the MQTT protocol. The MID process allows developers and users of the MQTT protocol to propose improvements and changes to the protocol and to collaborate on its development.
MQTT design best practices: n terms of security, MQTT supports the use of SSL/TLS to encrypt the communication between devices and brokers, ensuring that the data exchanged is secure and private. In addition, MQTT also supports the use of digital certificates to authenticate devices and brokers.
What is the MQTT protocol?
Before explaining what the MQTT protocol is, we will explain its origin in order to understand its evolution and why it is gaining ground in Industry 4.0. The MQTT protocol was created in 1999 to be able to connect devices used basically in the oil industry. In 2014 it was released and became a standard.
What is MQTT Quality of Service: MQTT stands for MQ Telemetry Transport, formerly known as Message Queuing Telemetry Transport. MQTT is the communication protocol focused on Machine-to-Machine (M2M) connectivity, it refers to the technology that allows indicators or devices to communicate with each other wirelessly. Thus, M2M is considered as one of the fundamental parts of the Internet of Things (IoT). The MQTT protocol works over TCP/IP or other network protocols with bidirectional support and no data loss.
Advantages of the MQTT protocol
There are several advantages of the MQTT protocol, the main advantage is to increase the security of the company, since the computers are connected to the servers.
- The registered data can be stored cloud servers, providing a secure service for the privacy of the registered and saved data.
- In addition, the MQTT protocol provides simplicity and lightness. This makes it suitable for IoT applications, where low-power devices with very high performance are used.
- The main consequence of the lightness is that the MQTT protocol requires a minimum bandwidth, which is important in wireless networks or connections with internet quality problems.
- SOLVED: Integration of the MQTT protocol in the air conditioning of an airport in accordance with Royal Decree 1826/2009
Security and Performance Analysis of MQTT Protocol with TLS in IoT Networks: With the incorporation of one of our IONA units (Slave or Master), we offer the perfect solution to have an exhaustive visualization of the air conditioning, both temperature and humidity at all times from any device (phone, Tablet, computer). ). Viewing can be done regardless of whether the device is located on the same network or on an external network.
What is the MID certificate?
MID or Directive on measuring instruments, is a certificate of the European Union whose main objective is to harmonize many aspects of legal metrology in all the member states of the EU. The most important principle of this directive is that all equipment that has MID approval can be used in all EU member countries .
IoT Security Issues and MQTT: The European Union Directive regulates the requirements that measuring instruments must meet, describing how they must be manufactured and calibrated.
If equipment with this certificate is used, records can be made and reliable results with legal value can be obtained. In addition, it guarantees the manufacturers’ quality management system to ensure that the use of equipment cannot be harmful to end consumers.
Implementation of SSL/TLS Security with MQTT Protocol in IoT Environment
The energy meters for Din rail that are manufactured with the highest quality using the latest technology and microprocessors. They have a blue backlit display and 16 different measurement parameters. This includes a negative power reading to indicate reversal of CT installation or wiring.
Equipment that complies with the MID certificate: Built-in pulse outputs and RS485 Modbus RTU are fully compatible for integration with BMS and remote monitoring systems.
Normally offer two different models of meters:
- Energy meter for DIN rail 1-3 phases 1/5A
- Energy meters for DIN rail 1 – 3 phases 100A
As the demand for MID-certified meters has increased, we have obtained annexes B and D of the CE directive 2004/22/EC on both meters, making them tested and certified for use in single-phase and three-phase networks and importing and export active energy (kWh).
FAQs on MQTT and MID certification
What is the MQTT protocol used for?
The MQTT protocol is used for enabling communication between devices in IoT environments. It is particularly effective in situations where bandwidth is limited, networks are unreliable, or power consumption needs to be minimized. MQTT is commonly used in applications such as home automation, industrial monitoring, and remote sensor networks.
How does MQTT work?
MQTT operates on a publish-subscribe model. Devices (clients) can publish messages to a broker, which then distributes these messages to other clients that have subscribed to the topic of the message. This decouples the sender and receiver, allowing for flexible and scalable communication networks. The protocol supports three levels of Quality of Service (QoS) to balance between delivery assurance and performance.
Also Read: How to Give a Password on a Hard Drive Partition in Windows
What are the main benefits of using MQTT?
The main benefits of using MQTT include:
- Low Bandwidth Usage: Optimized for minimal data transmission.
- Scalability: Easily handles a large number of devices.
- Reliability: Offers different levels of message delivery assurance.
- Simplicity: Lightweight and easy to implement on resource-constrained devices.
- Decoupling of Systems: Allows for flexible and modular network architectures.
What is a MID certificate, and why is it important?
A MID certificate is a certification issued under the Measuring Instruments Directive by the European Union. It ensures that measuring instruments such as gas meters, water meters, and weighing machines comply with EU regulations for accuracy and reliability. This certification is crucial for ensuring consistent measurement standards, consumer protection, and fair trade practices.
How do MQTT and MID certification relate to each other?
While MQTT and MID certification serve different purposes, they can be interconnected in IoT applications involving measurement devices. For example, an IoT system using MQTT to transmit data from MID-certified measuring instruments ensures that the measurements are accurate and reliably communicated. This combination is essential in industries where precise measurements are critical, such as utilities, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Conclusion
The MQTT protocol is a robust and efficient solution for IoT communication, enabling reliable data transmission even in challenging network conditions. On the other hand, the MID certificate guarantees the accuracy and reliability of measuring instruments in compliance with EU standards. Together, they play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless, reliable, and accurate data collection and transmission in various applications, particularly where precision and compliance are paramount. Understanding both the MQTT protocol and the significance of MID certification is essential for developing and deploying effective IoT solutions.
