Web-based Internet of Things on environmental and lighting control and monitoring system using node-RED, MQTT and Modbus communications within embedded Linux platform

Abstract

This paper presents our innovative approach in the field of Internet of Things (IoT). Our focus was on enhancing the research environment at Cheng Shiu University's laboratory through the creation of a dynamic network monitoring setup and lighting control system. Our aim was to simplify equipment management and promote energy efficiency. The core of our development is the Raspberry Pi 4B embedded Linux platform, which serves as a host for both a Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT) broker and a Node-RED server. Python programs, developed in PyCharm IDE, utilize multiple threads for efficient data exchange via Modbus TCP and MQTT protocols, facilitating seamless interaction between PLCs and MQTT broker servers. The Node-RED IoT development tool was instrumental in crafting a cross-platform Human-Machine Interface (HMI) web server with MQTT Publish/Subscribe capabilities, ensuring smooth communication with the MQTT broker server. By configuring the Apache HTTP server to direct to the Node-RED web directory, we can effectively monitor laboratory conditions and manage the lighting system. The experimental results validate the cost-effectiveness of our approach in transforming traditional control systems into a web-based supervisory control system, thereby enhancing the overall functionality of existing equipment. This project underscores our commitment to advancing IoT solutions in practical settings.