Deploy a Broker

The HiveMQ Platform helps you set up and run (deploy) MQTT brokers. You can use the platform to deploy an MQTT broker that either HiveMQ hosts as a service (HiveMQ Cloud) or that you host as self-managed software (HiveMQ Software). This topic helps you compare two ways to deploy MQTT brokers and describes how to deploy them using the HiveMQ Platform.

You cannot use the HiveMQ Platform to deploy a HiveMQ Cloud Enterprise broker. For more information about Cloud Enterprise, contact the HiveMQ Team.

Choose How to Run HiveMQ

HiveMQ Cloud and HiveMQ Software are two deployment options for the same product. The options differ in who operates the MQTT broker and how you enable functionality. The following table shows a brief comparison:

HiveMQ Cloud HiveMQ Software

Operated by

HiveMQ (as a managed service on AWS)

You (self-managed, on-premises, or your own cloud)

Functionality

Several levels that depend on the plan tier that you choose

All functionality is available after you license the broker

Best for

A fast start with no infrastructure to manage

Full control over where and how the broker runs

For a more detailed comparison of the two deployment options, see HiveMQ Managed vs. Self-Managed: Which Option Is Right for You?.

In the HiveMQ Platform, you can ask agent Bea to compare HiveMQ Cloud with HiveMQ Software.

To choose between deployment options in the HiveMQ Platform:

  1. On Connect, click Get Broker or Edge.

  2. On How do you want to get started?, select Deploy a new Broker.

  3. On Choose how to run HiveMQ, select HiveMQ Cloud or HiveMQ Software, then click Continue.

Deploy a HiveMQ Cloud Broker

When you use the HiveMQ Platform to deploy a HiveMQ Cloud broker, HiveMQ provisions the service and registers the broker with the platform immediately, making it visible to other devices in your network.

HiveMQ Cloud plans do not currently support Data Intelligence in the HiveMQ Platform. To use Data Intelligence in the HiveMQ Platform, you can deploy HiveMQ software or register what you already run.

To deploy a HiveMQ Cloud broker using the HiveMQ Platform:

  1. Select Connect in the top navigation.

  2. On Connect & Manage Network, click Get Broker or Edge.

  3. On How do you want to get started?, select Deploy a new Broker.

  4. On Choose how to run HiveMQ, select HiveMQ Cloud, then click Continue.

  5. On Select your Cloud Plan, compare the Serverless and Starter plan options, select a plan, and then click Continue:

    • If you selected Serverless, on Get Started with Serverless, click Create Serverless Broker.

      HiveMQ deploys your serverless broker immediately. If this is your first broker, a broker named Free#1 appears in the Network view on the Connect page. The platform names serverless brokers that you deploy sequentially.

      The Cloud Serverless plan limits your account to 2 cluster deployments.

      The status of a cloud broker that you just deployed under a Serverless plan shows Running.

    • If you selected Starter, on Configure your trial HiveMQ Cloud starter plan, take the following steps:

      1. (optionally) In Broker name, replace the default name with one that you recognize.

      2. Click I agree to HiveMQ’s Individual Use Terms and Privacy Policy.

      3. Click Start Free Trial.

        HiveMQ starts provisioning your broker immediately. The broker name appears in the Network view on the Connect page. The status of the new Starter broker shows Provisioning…​ for a few minutes, then updates to Running.

        The Starter plan provides a trial period during which no charges to run the broker accrue for 15 days. Before 15 days pass, you receive an email notification from HiveMQ that requests you to provide a payment method for this Starter plan. If you do not add a payment method, HiveMQ decommissions the broker when the 15-day trial period ends.

  6. Verify that your broker works.

Your HiveMQ Cloud broker deployment succeeded when the HiveMQ Platform displays The WebClient is connected for a broker with Running status.

Deploy a HiveMQ Software Broker

When you use the HiveMQ Platform to deploy HiveMQ Software, the platform helps you download the latest version of MQTT broker software packaged for your preferred environment. You manage HiveMQ Software and the environment in which you run it. The platform includes deployment options for Docker, Kubernetes, Local, AWS, and Azure environments. Your software deployment runs in a limited evaluation mode until you add a valid HiveMQ license. Deploying and connecting a HiveMQ Software broker to the HiveMQ Platform is the quickest way for you to experience the network visibility and data flow, analysis, and governance capabilities that the HiveMQ Platform provides.

To deploy a HiveMQ Software broker using the HiveMQ Platform:

  1. On Connect, click Get Broker or Edge.

  2. On How do you want to get started?, select Deploy a new Broker.

  3. On Choose how to run HiveMQ, select HiveMQ Software, then click Continue.

  4. On How to deploy your broker, select a deployment method.

    The HiveMQ Software deployment wizard presents a four-step procedure for each method that prompts you to complete the following steps:

    1. Prerequisites: What you need to do before you install or launch the broker software.

    2. Run the product: For example, in Docker, run the container. In Kubernetes, install the HiveMQ Platform Operator with the Helm chart, then install the platform with the operator.

    3. Verify in the Control Center: Log in to the Control Center to confirm the broker is up and running.

    4. Unlock full functionality (optional): Purchase a license. For more information, see Get a License.

      For more detailed instructions that describe each deployment method, read the guide for your preferred deployment method.

      Deployment Method Guide

      Docker

      Run the HiveMQ container

      Kubernetes

      Install the HiveMQ Platform Operator and deploy

      Local install

      Download and run locally

      AWS

      Deploy on AWS

      Azure

      Deploy on Azure

  5. Verify that your broker is running.

    1. Using a web browser, visit http://localhost:8080.

      For a Kubernetes deployment, first add a port-forward for the Control Center. For instructions, see Test Your HiveMQ Platform in the HiveMQ Platform Operator Quick Start Guide. To verify that a broker deployed in your AWS or Azure environment is running, follow the instructions in Launch HiveMQ on Your Own AWS or Azure Infrastructure.

    2. Log in to the Control Center for your deployed broker, using the following credentials:

      • username: admin

      • password: hivemq

You know that your HiveMQ Software broker deployment succeeded when the Control Center loads and reports the broker as running.

HiveMQ does not register HiveMQ Software brokers with the platform automatically. You must register the HiveMQ Software broker with the platform before it appears in the Network view on Connect. To register a HiveMQ Software broker with the platform, see Connect a Broker or Edge with the Platform.

Next Steps

For More Information

To learn more about broker deployment status on Connect, see the Connect Network Reference.

To compare pricing and features for all HiveMQ subscription plans, see the HiveMQ Pricing web page.