MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a lightweight messaging protocol widely used in IoT systems for communication between devices. It follows a publish-subscribe model, which makes it efficient for transmitting data over low-bandwidth, high-latency networks. In MQTT, devices (clients) communicate through a central broker. Publishers send messages to the broker, and subscribers receive messages from the broker based on topics they are interested in.

The broker ensures that messages from publishers reach the appropriate subscribers, simplifying communication and reducing network load. MQTT is ideal for IoT because it supports Quality of Service (QoS) levels, ensuring reliable data transmission, even in unreliable networks. Additionally, its small code footprint and low power usage make it perfect for resource-constrained IoT devices like sensors and embedded systems.

Security in MQTT is provided through encryption (SSL/TLS) and authentication mechanisms, ensuring safe data transfer between IoT devices. It is widely used in applications such as smart homes, healthcare, and industrial automation.

For individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of this technology, an IoT certification course offers a structured path to learn and apply MQTT in real-world IoT projects.