For handling large-scale, complex environments that demand central monitoring and control, SCADA offers an established solution with advanced cybersecurity measures. However, for low-bandwidth, high-latency circumstances, and particularly for IoT and IIoT applications, MQTT has the edge, offering efficient, secure machine-to-machine communication and easy implementation.
Key Differences Between SCADA and MQTT
- Industry Application: SCADA is common in areas such as energy, food and beverage, recycling, while MQTT emerged in oil and gas, and finds significant use in IoT applications.
- System Design: SCADA operates on centralized monitoring and control, while MQTT offers a decentralized, publish-subscribe based model, ideal for remote, low-bandwidth setups.
- Security: SCADA systems have critical cyber security concerns due to connectivity, MQTT provides security through modern protocols like OAuth and TLS1.3.
- Development and Integration: SCADA’s architecture makes it more complex to set up compared to MQTT, which supports multiple languages and ensures easy implementation with less coding.
| Comparison | SCADA | MQTT |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Centralized monitoring and control of plant/equipment, automation of complex industrial processes | Publish-subscribe protocol for low-bandwidth, high latency networks(IP based) |
| Components | RTU, sensors, control relays, SCADA master units, communication channels, HMI, controllers, database, software | Payload, Variable header, Fixed header |
| Data Collection | Discrete sensors for digital information, analog sensors for live environmental conditions | Publish-subscribe architecture allows data decoupling |
| Control Mechanism | Site control performed by SCADA field devices like RTUs or PLCs | Remote and reliable communication established via TCP/IP |
| Industry Utilization | Industrial plants, water and waste control, energy, oil and gas refining, transportation, telecom | Originally oil and gas industry, now widely used in IoT and IIoT applications |
| Latest Features | Modern SCADA uses SQL databases, rapid application development (RAD) capabilities | Integrates with security measures such as firewalls, VPNs, IPsec |
| Future Direction | Incorporation of 5G networks, quantum computing, edge computing, AI, and machine learning | Enabling more smart energy, health, banking services with efficient, secure data integration |
| Security Concerns | Increased connectivity and integration elevates cybersecurity concerns | Security provided through modern authentication protocols such as OAuth, TLS1.3, Customer Managed Certificates |
What Is SCADA and Who’s It For?
SCADA, or Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, is a powerful industrial automation tool that monitors, controls and automates complex processes over various industries. Its usage spans industries like water and waste control, oil and gas refining, energy, telecommunications, and transportation. SCADA systems incorporate a myriad of components including RTU, sensors, control relays, HMI, networks, databases, and specialized software.
Whether your organization is an energy supplier, a manufacturing powerhouse, or an oil and gas firm, SCADA seeks to streamline your operations. Its future-proof design plans to incorporate advanced technologies like 5G networks, quantum computing, edge computing, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Pros of SCADA
- Enables control of industrial processes in local and remote locations
- Aids in data collection, processing, and event logging in real-time
- Integrates easily with 5G, potential quantum computing, and AI tech
- Modern SCADA is scalable, interoperable, and improves accessibility to data
Cons of SCADA
- Potential cybersecurity concerns due to interconnected systems
- Legacy systems lack modern features and have limited support options
- PLCs often result in long run cost
What Is MQTT and Who’s It For?
MQTT, also known as Message Queuing Telemetry Transport, is an ISO-standard connectivity protocol developed for low-bandwidth, high latency networks. Initially utilized in oil and gas, MQTT has gained popularity in the realms of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Internet of Things (IoT) applications due to its reliable and scalable properties.
Its applications include industries associated with remote instrumentation, flow controllers at network edges, and more. Entities we’re talking about include tech juggernauts like Facebook Messenger and Amazon Web Services, as well as smaller-scale operations utilizing Raspberry Pi.
Pros of MQTT
- Supported by several languages, easy for implementation
- Promotes secure, reliable, and efficient machine-to-machine communication
- Enhanced security through modern authentication protocols
- Scalable up to millions of device connections
Cons of MQTT
- Requires modern infrastructure to effectively manage high-latency networks
- Strong dependency on TCP/IP, making it limited in non-IP environments
The Final Showdown: SCADA vs MQTT
A verdict is in the making. SCADA and MQTT, two heavyweight technologies, contend for your allegiance. Who should claim it? Let’s explore.
Industrial Operations Engineers
If you manage a vast industrial system requiring centralized control, SCADA is your go-to. It automates complex processes and is ideal for industries like oil, gas, and water management. But remember, cybersecurity remains a concern. Future direction: edge computing, AI, and machine learning.
IoT Application Developers
Are you into IoT? Then MQTT merits your attention. With its high suitability for low-bandwidth, high latency networks and ease of implementation, it’s perfect for IoT apps. Bonus points for superior security provisions via modern authentication protocols. Largely used in consumer applications and enterprise solutions.
SCADA System Upgraders
Seeking an upgrade to your current SCADA system with remote monitoring? Look at MQTT. It’s robust, secure, and improves accessibility. Use cases include multisite distributed SCADA and data collection in hydraulic fracturing operations. Extra: potential for scaling up to millions of connections.
SCADA rules for large-scale industrial control, but MQTT shines for IoT applications and SCADA system enhancement. Modern applications crave the low-bandwidth efficiency and superior security features of MQTT, while traditional industries still rely on SCADA’s comprehensive control.
