Deploy a Broker

The HiveMQ Platform helps you set up and run 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 Enterprise MQTT Broker). 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 Broker

When you use the HiveMQ Platform to deploy a HiveMQ broker, the platform helps you download the latest version of the HiveMQ Enterprise MQTT Broker as software packaged for your preferred environment. You manage the HiveMQ broker 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 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 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 Platform presents a four-step procedure for each deployment option. The wizard-style UI prompts you to complete the following steps:

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

    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. Confirm that your HiveMQ broker runs. For specific instructions, see Verify the HiveMQ Broker is Running.

You know that your HiveMQ Broker deployment runs successfully when Control Center loads and you can use it to see client activity on your broker. For more information, see Monitor Activity on the HiveMQ Control Center.

HiveMQ does not register HiveMQ brokers with the platform automatically. You must register the HiveMQ broker with the platform before it appears in the Network view on Connect. To register a HiveMQ Enterprise MQTT Broker that you deployed with the platform, see Connect a HiveMQ Broker to the Platform.

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. Confirm that your HiveMQ Cloud broker runs.

    1. On the Network view, verify that the broker status shows Running.

    2. For a HiveMQ Cloud Starter broker: Use Control Center to monitor broker activity.

      To open the Control Center for a HiveMQ Cloud Starter broker in the HiveMQ Platform:

      1. On Connect, in Network, select the broker.

      2. In Broker Details, click Configure.

      3. On the broker Overview page, click Control Center.

        To see the latest activity for a broker in Control Center, click Refresh Snapshot.

You know that your HiveMQ Cloud broker deployment runs successfully when Control Center loads from the platform and you can use it to see client activity on your broker. For more information, see Monitor Activity on the HiveMQ Control Center.

Next Steps

For More Information

To learn more about broker deployment status on Connect, see the Connect - The Network View.

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