Messaging Protocols for IoT Systems—A Pragmatic Comparison

There are a dozen messaging protocols proposed for IoT systems. Choosing one for a new design is complicated, and a non-optimal selection can result in slower development and higher design costs. This paper aims to help select appropriate protocols, considering IoT applications’ specificity and communication requirements. We have identified the protocol features that are significant for the design and operation of IoT systems. This paper gives a substantial comparison of the protocols using the features and is based on a thorough analysis of the protocol specifications. The results contain an assessment of the suitability of the protocols for the defined types of IoT devices and the identified communication purposes. We conclude the comparison with some recommendations of the protocol selection and usage.