MQTT.box

MQTT.box from Wiesemann & Theis

The MQTT.box from Wiesemann & Theis is a fully featured Mosquitto MQTT broker, specially designed for mounting on a DIN rail. It enables communication between network-capable automation components via the MQTT protocol and offers an efficient solution for networking in building automation and Industry 4.0. With two network interfaces, data can be provided for an additional network segment without allowing direct access between the networks, increasing security and flexibility. The integrated user management allows authentication of devices in the network using individual credentials, while an Access Control List (ACL) permits assigning read and write rights for specific MQTT topics. The MQTT.box supports flexible power supply via Power over Ethernet (PoE) or screw terminal connection, provides Web Based Management, and meets stringent standards for use in office and industrial environments. This article highlights the technical features, applications, and advantages of the MQTT.box.

MQTT Broker: Communication via the MQTT Protocol

The MQTT.box is based on the established Mosquitto MQTT broker, an open-source protocol used since 2001 for efficient and reliable communication in IoT and automation applications. MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight protocol based on the publish/subscribe model, optimized for data transmission between resource-constrained devices. The MQTT.box serves as a central control unit that receives and distributes data from MQTT clients (publishers and subscribers). For example, sensors in a building can publish temperature data to a topic, while actuators like heaters subscribe to this data to react accordingly. The MQTT.box supports communication between network-capable automation components, such as IoT sensors, actuators, or controllers, ensuring stable and scalable data transmission. Thanks to the second network interface, data can be forwarded to another network segment without allowing direct access between the networks. This enables separation of production and management networks, increasing network security. The MQTT.box is ideal for applications requiring reliable and secure communication between distributed devices.

Network Segmentation and Security

The MQTT.box features two network interfaces, allowing physical separation of network segments. This function is especially useful in scenarios where sensitive data in one network segment (e.g., production network) must be isolated from another segment (e.g., management network). The MQTT.box ensures that data can be forwarded to the second network segment without permitting direct access between the networks, enhancing the security of the entire infrastructure. User management allows authentication of MQTT clients with individual credentials, preventing unauthorized access. Additionally, an Access Control List (ACL) can be configured to assign specific read and write rights for MQTT topics to each user. For example, a sensor can only publish data to a certain topic, while a control device may only subscribe to certain topics. These granular access controls make the MQTT.box a secure solution for complex automation projects in building automation and Industry 4.0.

Interfaces and Connectivity

The MQTT.box is equipped with two network interfaces that enable flexible integration into existing networks. The interfaces support communication with a wide variety of MQTT clients, such as sensors, actuators, or IoT devices using the MQTT protocol. The second network interface allows data to be made available to an additional network segment, making the MQTT.box an ideal solution for applications with multiple networks. Configuration is done via Web Based Management, which offers user-friendly administration of users, ACLs, and network settings. Commissioning is particularly easy thanks to the WuTility tool, which can complete configuration in just three clicks. The MQTT.box supports connecting devices from various manufacturers that utilize the MQTT protocol, making it a universal platform for IoT and automation projects.

Power Supply and Energy Efficiency

The MQTT.box offers flexible options for power supply, including Power over Ethernet (PoE) and external supply via screw terminal connection. PoE supports phantom powering over data pairs as well as power supply over unused wire pairs, simplifying installation in networks without separate power. Buffer capacitors ensure controlled shutdown when disconnecting from the power supply, preventing data loss. The energy-saving architecture of the MQTT.box minimizes power consumption and makes the device environmentally friendly. These features are especially advantageous in applications where energy efficiency and reliability are critical, such as building automation or production environments.

Please note: NO power supply is included in the scope of delivery.

Management and Configuration

The MQTT.box offers comprehensive management via Web Based Management, allowing easy configuration of network settings, user management, and access control. Users can authenticate MQTT clients with individual credentials and manage specific rights for MQTT topics through an Access Control List (ACL). Commissioning is quick and straightforward using WuTility, a tool that completes configuration in just three clicks. This user-friendliness significantly reduces installation effort and makes the MQTT.box accessible to users without extensive network knowledge. The combination of simple configuration and granular access control makes the MQTT.box a flexible and secure solution for professional applications.

Standards Compliance and Reliability

The MQTT.box meets stringent standards for immunity (EN 61000-6-2) and emissions (EN 55032:2015 + A1 Class B, EN 61000-3-2, EN 61000-3-3), qualifying it for use in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. The high immunity ensures reliable operation even in environments with electromagnetic interference, such as production facilities. CE marking and UL approval confirm suitability for international applications, while the robust design is engineered for continuous operation. With a five-year warranty, the MQTT.box offers a low-maintenance and durable solution for professional users.

Versatile Applications

The MQTT.box is ideal for automation in building automation and Industry 4.0. It is particularly suited for scenarios where network-capable devices need to communicate via the MQTT protocol, such as sensors, actuators, or controllers. For example, temperature sensors in a building can publish data to an MQTT topic to control heating, while a dashboard subscribes to the data to display it in real time. Network segmentation enables separation of production and management networks, increasing security. The MQTT.box supports devices from various manufacturers using the MQTT protocol, making it a universal platform for IoT projects. The wide operating temperature range and flexible power supply enable use in demanding environments such as production halls or data centers. Easy commissioning via WuTility and Web Based Management significantly reduce configuration effort.

Secure and Efficient MQTT Communication

The MQTT.box from Wiesemann & Theis impresses with its ease of use, high security, and standards compliance. With a Mosquitto MQTT broker, two network interfaces, user management, ACL, and flexible power supply, it is the ideal solution for communication in building automation and Industry 4.0. The five-year warranty underlines the reliability and durability of this control center.