Integrating Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) with MQTT-based cloud platforms is a critical step for modern industrial automation. This guide explores how to bridge the gap between traditional operational technology (OT) and the cloud.
The Role of MQTT in Industrial IoT
MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) has become the de-facto standard for industrial data transmission due to its lightweight nature and publish-subscribe model. It is ideal for 4G LTE gateways where bandwidth efficiency is paramount.
Hardware Requirements
To successfully bridge PLC data to the cloud, you need an industrial-grade gateway that supports serial communication (RS485/RS232) and Ethernet protocols. Our Serial Servers and 4G Gateways are pre-configured for these tasks.
Step-by-Step Integration
1. Protocol Conversion: Convert Modbus RTU/TCP data from the PLC into JSON format.
2. Broker Connection: Configure the gateway to connect to your MQTT broker (e.g., AWS IoT, Azure, or private EMQX).
3. Topic Strategy: Define a structured topic hierarchy for efficient data routing.
Security Considerations
Always use TLS/SSL for MQTT connections to ensure data integrity and prevent unauthorized access to your industrial controls.
