To improve MySQL performance when inserting IoT data, use batch inserts, optimize table structure and indexes, and tune MySQL configuration. First, batch multiple rows into a single INSERT statement to reduce transaction overhead and disk I/O, aiming for 500–1000 rows per batch, grouping by device or time window, and disabling autocommit during insertion. Second, use a composite primary key like (device_id, timestamp) for faster lookups, avoid over-indexing to prevent slowing inserts, and consider TIMESTAMP over DATETIME, numeric storage over strings, and partitioning for scalability. Third, adjust MySQL settings such as increasing innodb_log_file_size, buffer pool size, and setting innodb_flush_log_at_trx_commit to 2 if minor data loss is acceptable, while also tuning sync_binlog, max_connections, and packet size as needed, and monitor system resources after changes.
IoT devices generate a ton of data, and when you're funneling that into MySQL, performance can take a hit if you don't set things up right. The key is to balance speed, reliability, and resource use — especially when inserts are frequent and time-sensitive.

Use Batch Inserts Instead of Single Row Inserts
Inserting one row at a time from each device might seem straightforward, but it's slow and puts unnecessary strain on the database. Each insert comes with overhead — network round trips, transaction commits, index updates.
Instead, batch multiple rows into a single INSERT statement. For example:

INSERT INTO sensor_data (device_id, timestamp, value) VALUES (1, '2025-04-05 10:00:00', 23.5), (1, '2025-04-05 10:01:00', 24.1), (2, '2025-04-05 10:00:00', 18.9);
This reduces the number of transactions and disk I/O operations. A good batch size is usually between 500 and 1000 rows, depending on your hardware and network.
Also:

- Group data by device or time window before sending it to the DB.
- If using an application layer, buffer incoming data for a few seconds before inserting.
- Make sure autocommit is off during batch inserts to avoid committing every row.
Optimize Table Structure and Indexes
IoT data often follows a time-series pattern, so structuring your table accordingly helps a lot. Here’s what to keep in mind:
-
Use a composite primary key like
(device_id, timestamp)
instead of an auto-increment ID. This makes lookups faster and keeps related data clustered together on disk. - Avoid over-indexing. Every index slows down inserts because MySQL has to update them too.
- If you query by timestamp often, make sure it's part of the primary key or has a separate index — but be aware that adding indexes later can lock the table.
Also consider:
- Using
TIMESTAMP
instead ofDATETIME
if you need automatic time conversion. - Storing numeric values as floats or decimals rather than strings for efficiency.
- Partitioning the table by time or device group if the dataset grows large.
Tune MySQL Configuration for Write-Heavy Workloads
Out-of-the-box MySQL settings aren’t always ideal for high-frequency writes. You’ll want to adjust some key parameters:
- Increase
innodb_log_file_size
— larger log files reduce checkpointing frequency, which improves write throughput. - Raise
innodb_buffer_pool_size
to hold more data and indexes in memory, reducing disk access. - Adjust
innodb_flush_log_at_trx_commit
to2
if you can tolerate a small risk of data loss. This reduces disk flushes and boosts insert speed.
Other helpful tweaks:
- Set
sync_binlog = 0
or2
for better binary log performance (if replication or point-in-time recovery isn’t critical). - Increase
max_connections
andmax_allowed_packet
if needed, based on your ingestion rate and batch sizes.
Make sure to monitor server load and disk usage after making these changes.
That's pretty much it. It's not overly complicated, but it does require thinking ahead about how the data flows and how MySQL handles it under pressure.
The above is the detailed content of Optimizing MySQL for Data Ingestion from IoT Devices. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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