Why use EMQX between MQTT devices and a time-series database?

EMQX handles device connections and prepares telemetry before storage. SQL rules can filter messages and transform fields, while database integrations write the results to supported destinations.

Which databases can EMQX connect to?

EMQX supports integrations with InfluxDB, TimescaleDB, Apache IoTDB, ClickHouse, GreptimeDB, and other databases. Check each guide for supported versions and configuration. Prometheus collects EMQX broker metrics for monitoring.

What happens if the database or network is unavailable?

Supported database sinks can buffer requests and retry delivery during temporary interruptions. Retention depends on the connector, buffer mode and capacity, and request expiry (TTL). Monitor failed and dropped requests; buffering does not provide unlimited retention.

Can EMQX transform MQTT telemetry before storing it in a time-series database?

Yes. Use SQL rules to filter messages, select timestamps and measurements, and transform field values before writing to the database. Match the output fields and types to its schema.

How do I choose a database connector for MQTT telemetry?

Choose the connector for your database and check supported versions, credentials, and write formats in its guide. Configure a rule and database sink, then verify timestamps and measurements in the destination.

EMQX TSDB INTEGRATION

Stream MQTT data into time-series databases

Collect MQTT telemetry with EMQX, prepare it with SQL rules, and store it in your database for analytics and visualization.

Download EMQX Enterprise Choose your database guide

Overview

Why EMQX for time-series data?

Keep device connectivity and data preparation in EMQX, so your database can focus on storage and queries.

Scale device connectivity

Connect MQTT devices through EMQX and route their telemetry to your database. Size each part of the pipeline for your connection count and data volume.

Reduce database load

Filter and transform telemetry before storage, so your database processes the data your applications need.

Keep database choice open

Route telemetry to supported databases through EMQX integrations, so you can evolve your storage layer independently of device connectivity.

Architecture

MQTT and time-series architecture

MQTT devices publish to EMQX, which prepares telemetry and writes it to configured database sinks.

MQTT devices

Sensors

Vehicles

Devices

Factories

Gateways

EMQX Enterprise

MQTT Broker

Rule Engine

Data Integration

Broker monitoring

Prometheus

Database sinks

InfluxDB

ClickHouse

TimescaleDB

How it works

From sensor to database in 3 steps

Configure a pipeline in the Flow Designer, from MQTT topics to database writes.

Before you start

EMQX with your database’s supported integration.
A database endpoint reachable from EMQX.
Write credentials for the target table, bucket, or collection.

1
Connect devices
Connect sensors and other devices to EMQX and publish telemetry to MQTT topics.
2
Prepare data
Filter messages and map timestamps, measurements, and field types with SQL rules.
3
Write to your database
Write a test message through your database sink. Check its timestamp, field types, and stored values.

Capabilities

Built for time-series data

Connect devices, transform MQTT data, and monitor delivery to your database.

MQTT 5.0 support

Connect devices using MQTT 5.0 or 3.1.1, with protocol support independent of your database choice.

MQTT protocol guide

Buffering and retries

Handle temporary interruptions with supported buffering and retry options. Set buffer mode, capacity, and request expiry for your workload.

Buffer queue guide

Real-time data transformation

Filter messages, extract measurements, and transform field values with built-in SQL rules before writing to your database.

Rule SQL reference

Flexible write modes

Choose synchronous or asynchronous requests where supported, and tune write settings for your throughput and latency needs.

Sink features guide

Ready for analytics

Store prepared telemetry in your database for queries, dashboards, and analysis with your existing tools.

TimescaleDB integration guide

Pipeline monitoring

Track successful, failed, and dropped requests, along with queue depth, to identify delivery issues.

Delivery monitoring guide

Ecosystem

Connect your time-series ecosystem

Connect MQTT telemetry to your storage platform, and monitor EMQX with Prometheus.

Resources

Explore MQTT and time-series integration

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Build your MQTT to time-series database pipeline

Plan your database integration, data preparation, and deployment with an EMQX expert.

Talk to an expert Download EMQX Enterprise