Which protocol does AWS IoT use for secure communication?

AWS IoT utilizes MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) as its primary protocol for secure communication. MQTT is a lightweight messaging protocol optimized for devices with limited computing power and low-battery scenarios, making it ideal for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It operates over a publish-subscribe model, which allows for efficient communication between devices and the cloud, enabling real-time data exchange and reducing bandwidth usage.

In addition to MQTT, AWS IoT also supports secure communication protocols such as HTTPS, which is an extension of HTTP that incorporates SSL/TLS for encryption, ensuring that data transmitted between devices and the AWS IoT Core is secure. This combination of MQTT for device communication and HTTPS for secure API interactions provides a robust solution for IoT applications.

Other choices do not align with AWS IoT's secure communication practices. FTP is typically used for file transfers, which is not optimized for the real-time performance needs of IoT. MOSQUITTO is a popular MQTT broker but is not a communication protocol. TCP and UDP are transport layer protocols that manage data transmission but lack the specific security and message-oriented features provided by MQTT and HTTPS, rendering them less suitable for the unique needs of IoT communication.