FTP vs MQTT

The granddaddy of file transfer, still kicking around like a stubborn old uncle who refuses to retire meets the iot whisperer. Here's our take.

FTP

Nice Pick

The granddaddy of file transfer, still kicking around like a stubborn old uncle who refuses to retire.

Pros

• Widely supported across all platforms and systems
• Simple and straightforward for basic file transfers
• No fancy dependencies or setup required

Cons

• Transfers data in plain text, making it a security nightmare
• Requires separate control and data connections, which can be a hassle with firewalls

MQTT

The IoT whisperer. Lightweight enough for your smart toaster, reliable enough for your industrial sensors.

Pros

• Minimal overhead makes it perfect for low-bandwidth or constrained devices
• Publish-subscribe model scales well for large numbers of connected devices
• Quality of Service levels ensure message delivery even on unreliable networks

Cons

• Lacks built-in security features, requiring additional layers for production use
• Can be overkill for simple applications due to its complexity in setup

The Verdict

Use FTP if: You want widely supported across all platforms and systems and can live with transfers data in plain text, making it a security nightmare.

Use MQTT if: You prioritize minimal overhead makes it perfect for low-bandwidth or constrained devices over what FTP offers.

The Bottom Line

FTP wins

The granddaddy of file transfer, still kicking around like a stubborn old uncle who refuses to retire.