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To determine which one to use we need to understand the difference between MQTT and MQTT Sparkplug.

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MQTT MQTT

MQTT

MQTT is a lightweight messaging protocol designed for efficient communication between devices. It was created to address the challenges of transmitting data reliably over low-bandwidth, high-latency, or unstable networks — conditions commonly found in industrial settings, remote monitoring systems, and embedded devices.

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These characteristics have made MQTT a popular choice in IoT ecosystems, enabling everything from smart home automation to large-scale industrial control systems.

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MQTT in IIOT MQTT in IIOT

MQTT in Industrial IoT (IIoT) systems

MQTT has become a key messaging protocol for Industrial IoT (IIoT) thanks to its lightweight design and efficient data delivery. Yet despite its strengths, MQTT lacks a standardized way to define and structure data, often leaving developers to build custom logic for every device type. This approach works — but it doesn’t scale easily.

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This is where MQTT Sparkplug comes in. Sparkplug builds on MQTT’s foundation, adding data standardization, state awareness, and improved scalability — all essential for complex IIoT environments.

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MQTT Sparkplug MQTT Sparkplug

MQTT Sparkplug

MQTT Sparkplug is an open-source specification designed to bring structure and standardization to MQTT data in industrial environments. Built on top of MQTT, Sparkplug introduces a standardized payload format, a defined topic structure, and a set of state management rules. This ensures that devices, sensors, and software systems all speak the same language to seamlessly integrate data and improve scalability.

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When devices disconnect, the broker automatically alerts Host Applications by publishing a death certificate — preventing stale or inaccurate data from being mistaken as live.

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Which One to Use Which One to Use

Which One to Use?

The MQTT Sparkplug Transmitter is designed to be used at the Edge of complex IIoT environments where data consistency, system state awareness, and scalability are critical.

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