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emqx/neuron

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Open source industrial IoT connectivity server

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source
Company
EMQX
Visit Website GitHub (38 stars)

About emqx/neuron

Neuron is an open-source Industrial IoT (IIoT) connectivity server designed to bridge industrial devices and modern data platforms. It supports dozens of industrial protocols (e.g., Modbus, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP, IEC 60870-5-104, BACnet) and converts them into MQTT for seamless integration between IIoT platforms and shop-floor devices. Key capabilities include edge-native real-time operation, low latency, a loosely coupled modular architecture with hot-pluggable plugins, high concurrency for heterogeneous devices, built-in stream processing via eKuiper for rules and AI/ML analytics, northbound access for MES/ERP/SCADA via Sparkplug B, and a tiny footprint (<10 MB) with support for ARM, x86, and RISC-V. It offers flexible deployment as native binaries or containers and provides management via HTTP and MQTT APIs. The core framework and basic plugins are available under LGPLv3.

Key Features

Edge-native application with real-time capability and low latency
Loosely coupled modular architecture with pluggable modules
Hot-pluggable plugins for runtime updates
Broad protocol support: Modbus, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP, IEC 60870-5-104, BACnet, and more
High concurrency for simultaneously connecting many heterogeneous devices
Built-in stream processing via eKuiper for rules and AI/ML analytics
Northbound access for MES/ERP, SCADA, historians via Sparkplug B
Tiny footprint (<10 MB) and low CPU usage; runs on ARM, x86, RISC-V
Flexible deployments: native binaries or containers
HTTP API and MQTT API for managing devices and tags

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Real-time, low-latency edge processing
  • Modular and extensible via pluggable plugins
  • Supports a wide range of industrial protocols
  • Tiny footprint (<10 MB) and efficient resource usage
  • Flexible deployment options (binary, container, multiple architectures)
  • Open-source core (LGPLv3) with active community
  • Integrates with EMQX ecosystem for comprehensive IIoT solutions
Cons
  • Full advanced protocol support (e.g., Siemens S7, OPC UA client) may require commercial NeuronEX distribution
  • Documentation and dashboard features are more limited compared to the commercial version
  • Primarily focused on IIoT connectivity; not a general-purpose AI platform

Best For

Connecting industrial PLCs, sensors, and controllers to MQTT-based IoT platformsEdge data collection and aggregation from shop-floor devicesIntegrating industrial protocols with cloud platforms via MQTT/Sparkplug BReal-time stream processing and analytics at the edgeBridging legacy industrial equipment with modern data systemsBuilding SCADA, MES, or historian connectivity

FAQ

What protocols does Neuron support?
Neuron supports Modbus, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP, IEC 60870-5-104, BACnet, and many other industrial protocols. The open-source core includes Modbus, MQTT, and eKuiper plugins; additional protocols are available in the commercial NeuronEX distribution.
How do I install Neuron?
You can download the latest release from the GitHub Releases page, extract the tarball, and run the binary. Alternatively, you can build from source or use provided containers. Default credentials are username 'admin' with password '0000'.
What is the difference between Neuron and NeuronEX?
Neuron is the open-source core under LGPLv3. NeuronEX is the commercial distribution that adds extended protocol support, a full-featured web UI, enterprise plugins, cloud integration, and enhanced data security features.
Can Neuron be deployed on ARM devices?
Yes, Neuron runs on ARM, x86, and RISC-V architectures with a tiny footprint (<10 MB) and low CPU usage.