MQTT Engine Module

Enable bidirectional communication via MQTT devices at the network edge

Build IIoT applications on an MQTT Message-Oriented Middleware (MOM) infrastructure with this module. Provide a pathway to deliver data to both operational and business applications while reducing data bandwidth. Utilize MQTT publish-and-subscribe methodologies to inject data into the Ignition application by enabling this module to connect to MQTT servers, thus creating an extremely efficient and robust IIoT architecture with Ignition.

Utilizes Edge Gateways

The MQTT Engine module utilizes Edge Gateways that push the proprietary protocol to the network edge. This creates a single pipeline for all data, increasing throughput and efficiency of data acquisition across the entire enterprise. MQTT-compatible devices supporting the Cirrus Link Sparkplug Topic and Payload can also be directly connected to this infrastructure, benefiting from the same advantages. This solution is particularly useful for large-scale applications.

Key features of the MQTT Engine module

Increase data throughput and efficiency
MQTT messages offer extremely efficient utilization of the transport layer to send and receive more data more frequently and quickly. This is achieved by pushing it to the network edge or by allowing MQTT devices to publish data directly, greatly enhancing overall solution performance. It also provides a mechanism to retrieve more data beyond PLCs and RTUs, including from other devices such as cameras or sensors. This leads to greater system awareness and improved control.

Open source third-party device integration tools
This module implements the Cirrus Link Sparkplug MQTT Topic and Payload Specification, describing the methodology of how MQTT-enabled devices or Edge Gateways should connect to Ignition. This provides third-party device manufacturers with the open-source tools needed to enable their products to connect to the MQTT middleware infrastructure and with this Ignition module. The tools are based on open-source standards.

Self-learning data tags
This module subscribes to data from edge gateways via MQTT servers. Upon initial connection, it learns all data tags and immediately creates them in Ignition. Once tags are created, their data values are immediately available and continuously updated as new values are published from the field. This feature produces a self-aware IIoT that dynamically updates, quickly learning all existing and newly created data tags and making them immediately available across the Ignition platform. With this module, connecting to your data is easy, allowing you to build anything with Ignition’s development tools.

Exceptional redundancy and security
Scalability, disaster recovery, high availability, and enhanced security are features of the MOM infrastructure. Edge Gateways poll data, establishing an incoming connection with MQTT servers. TLS encryption secures all ports via their network connection. Having closed ports enhances system security and closes off many typical attack vectors. Additionally, Edge Gateways have control over both their network path and the MQTT server used. They know when they lose a primary communication path and will switch to a secondary path, and they are also aware of when the primary communication path returns. If an MQTT server goes down, the Edge Gateway connects to the next available server. These features improve uptime with quicker acknowledgments of issues.

Automatic system status statistics
When this module creates data tags, it also generates statistics to monitor system health. These statistics are historical data points that provide valuable information for diagnosing issues within the overall system. The MQTT Engine module creates metric data for the end device, edge gateways, and MOM infrastructure regarding availability and lost connectivity. These statistics are presented with pre-built screens for viewing, or customers can use the data points to build screens tailored to their specific requirements.