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EMQX for MQTT Sparkplug B
Achieve seamless IT/OT data integration and interoperability for your Industrial IoT solutions with the most scalable and reliable Sparkplug-compliant MQTT platform.
What is Sparkplug B
Sparkplug B is an open-source software specification that provides a standardized framework for MQTT, ensuring interoperability and creating a single source of truth for Industrial IoT data.
Plug-and-Play Interoperability
Sparkplug B defines a standard topic namespace, payload structure, and session management, allowing devices and applications from different vendors to work together seamlessly.
State Awareness
Leverage MQTT's statefulness to provide continuous, real-time updates on the status of all devices and applications, ensuring data integrity across the network.
Efficient Data Transmission
By reporting data only on change, Sparkplug B significantly reduces network traffic and ensures that only valuable, up-to-date information is transmitted.
EMQX with Sparkplug B Architecture
Explore a reference architecture showing how EMQX acts as the central Sparkplug-compliant MQTT server, connecting your OT devices to your IT systems.
The Ideal MQTT Server for Your Sparkplug B Solution
EMQX provides the scalability, reliability, and robust feature set required for a successful, enterprise-grade Sparkplug B implementation.
Massive Scale & Performance
EMQX's clustered architecture supports millions of Sparkplug B clients and messages per second with low latency, ensuring your IIoT solution can scale.
High Availability
Ensure continuous operation for your mission-critical industrial applications with a fault-tolerant architecture that has no single point of failure.
Seamless Data Integration
Use a built-in rule engine to process Sparkplug B payloads and stream data to over 50+ enterprise systems, including Kafka, databases, and cloud services.
Enterprise-Grade Security
Secure your data pipeline with TLS/SSL encryption, client certificate authentication, and fine-grained access control lists (ACLs).
Edge to Cloud Solution
Combine EMQX with edge gateways like EMQX Neuron to connect legacy devices using protocols like Modbus and OPC-UA to your Sparkplug B network.
Full Sparkplug B Compliance
EMQX fully supports the Sparkplug B specification, ensuring seamless interoperability with all compliant devices and applications.
Powering the Next Generation of Industrial IoT
See how EMQX and Sparkplug B are transforming industrial operations across various sectors.
Dive Deeper into MQTT Sparkplug B
Explore our technical resources to master the integration and get started quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Key questions about MQTT Sparkplug B and why EMQX is the ideal platform for your implementation.
MQTT Sparkplug B is an open-source specification that provides a standardized framework for MQTT in industrial environments. It was created to solve the interoperability challenges in Industrial IoT by defining a standard topic namespace, payload structure (using Protocol Buffers), and session management. This enables devices and applications from different vendors to communicate seamlessly, creating a single source of truth for all industrial data.
EMQX is the ideal choice for Sparkplug B implementations because it offers massive scalability (supporting millions of clients), high availability with no single point of failure, and full compliance with the Sparkplug B specification. Additionally, EMQX provides a powerful built-in rule engine to process Sparkplug B payloads and integrate with 50+ enterprise systems, along with enterprise-grade security features including TLS/SSL and fine-grained ACLs.
Sparkplug B ensures interoperability by defining strict standards for three key areas: topic namespace (how data is organized and addressed), payload structure (using Google Protocol Buffers for efficient, self-describing messages), and session management (including birth/death certificates for device state awareness). Any Sparkplug B compliant device or application follows these same standards, enabling plug-and-play connectivity.
State Awareness in Sparkplug B leverages MQTT's Last Will and Testament (LWT) feature to provide real-time knowledge of device and application status. When a device connects, it publishes a "birth certificate"; when it disconnects (gracefully or unexpectedly), a "death certificate" is published. This ensures that all subscribers always know the current state of every node in the network, which is critical for maintaining data integrity in industrial systems.
Yes, EMQX integrates seamlessly with legacy OT devices through edge gateways like EMQX Neuron. EMQX Neuron supports over 100 industrial protocols including Modbus, OPC-UA, and many proprietary PLC protocols. It translates data from these legacy devices into Sparkplug B compliant MQTT messages, allowing you to incorporate existing equipment into your modern IIoT infrastructure without replacing hardware.
Sparkplug B with EMQX benefits any industry requiring reliable, standardized industrial data communication. Key sectors include smart manufacturing (connecting PLCs, SCADA, and MES), oil & gas (monitoring remote assets like wellheads and pipelines), water & wastewater management (real-time quality and flow monitoring), energy & utilities (grid monitoring and control), and any Industry 4.0 initiative requiring IT/OT convergence.
Build Your IIoT Solution Today
Talk to our experts to learn how EMQX and Sparkplug B can provide a scalable, reliable, and interoperable foundation for your Industrial IoT applications.