The industrial network market is currently undergoing a critical transformation fueled by increasing demands for digitalization and automation across manufacturing and related sectors. At the heart of this evolution lies HMS Networks, a leading independent supplier in Industrial Information and Communication Technology (ICT), whose annual analyses offer invaluable insights into market dynamics. Their recent reports for 2024 and 2025 provide a detailed look at the shifting landscape of industrial networking, emphasizing the growing predominance of Industrial Ethernet, variations in regional preferences, and the gradual decline of older networking technologies like fieldbus systems. Understanding these trends is essential for manufacturers and network providers aiming to stay competitive in the era of smart factories.
The industrial network market’s expansion is intertwined with the broader movement toward smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0. According to HMS Networks’ 2024 study, the market exhibited an overall growth rate of approximately 7%, highlighting the increasing importance of network connectivity in modern factory environments. However, this growth comes with a caveat: the number of newly installed network nodes actually fell by around 10-11% between 2023 and 2024. This decline reflects economic headwinds such as persistent uncertainties and excess production capacity in some industrial sectors, which have, in turn, dampened levels of investment. While this moderation suggests a temporary pause, the underlying technological momentum remains robust, particularly for Industrial Ethernet as the preferred networking protocol.
Industrial Ethernet’s rise is the most striking development within this marketplace. In 2024, it accounted for 71% of newly installed network nodes worldwide, up from 68% just the year before; and projections for 2025 predict an even sharper increase to 76%. This technology’s dominance is no accident—it addresses the critical need for enhanced data exchange, real-time communication, and scalable network infrastructure that modern manufacturing increasingly demands. The protocol’s superior data rates, diagnostics, and interoperability make it ideally suited to the complex automation and smart manufacturing solutions that define Industry 4.0. As digitalization intensifies, Ethernet’s role extends beyond isolated factory floor systems to integration with broader enterprise IT networks, reinforcing its strategic importance.
Regional distinctions also characterize the adoption patterns of Industrial Ethernet and its competing protocols. North America, buoyed by advances in automotive innovation and energy sector investments, leads with over 38% market share of the Industrial Ethernet segment as of 2023. The United States, in particular, favors EtherNet/IP for its widespread applicability, while EtherCAT—the protocol highly regarded for high-performance motion control—has steadily gained traction. Meanwhile, Asia presents a more fragmented landscape with PROFINET emerging as the frontrunner. Other protocols such as EtherNet/IP, CC-Link/CC-Link IE Field, EtherCAT, PROFIBUS, and Modbus each maintain strong regional presences, reflecting the continent’s diverse industrial base and network infrastructure needs. This regional complexity demands adaptive strategies from network suppliers to cater to distinct market niches while capitalizing on Ethernet’s overarching growth.
Meanwhile, traditional fieldbus technologies are in decline. Sales of fieldbus nodes have contracted recently, as manufacturers prioritize systems that not only handle higher throughput but also seamlessly align with standard IT infrastructures. HMS Networks’ reports suggest that fieldbus systems are increasingly viewed as legacy technologies, gradually being replaced as industries embrace digitalization and the principles of Industry 4.0. Complementing this shift, wireless communication technologies are emerging as promising adjuncts to Ethernet-based networks—offering flexibility and reduced wiring complexity in environments where physical cabling is impractical or costly. This blend of wired Ethernet and wireless integration hints at an industrial network landscape that is becoming more heterogeneous and versatile to meet evolving operational demands.
Industrial Ethernet’s growing importance is underscored by its enhanced performance characteristics. Faster data rates enhance real-time responsiveness and system efficiency. Advanced diagnostic capabilities improve maintenance flexibility and minimize downtime. Interoperability across devices and systems supports the integration necessary for sophisticated analytics and control solutions. Magnus Jansson, Vice President of Marketing at HMS Networks, highlights that the intensifying trends toward digitalization and Industry 4.0 are compelling manufacturers to adopt more modern networking infrastructures—requirements that Industrial Ethernet adeptly fulfills. This paradigm shift reflects a fundamental change in factory automation: from standalone, device-level communication to interconnected ecosystems embedded within the enterprise architecture.
Looking into the future, the industrial network market is forecasted to sustain strong growth, propelled by expanding factory automation and worldwide adoption of smart manufacturing initiatives. Estimates suggest that the Industrial Ethernet sector will enjoy a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 7.5% through 2030. Concurrently, the smart manufacturing market itself is projected to surpass USD 600 billion by 2030, driven by ongoing advancements in Industry 4.0 technologies, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and an ever-stronger emphasis on automation efficiency. These trends collectively create fertile ground for Industrial Ethernet’s further penetration, solidifying its role as the backbone of next-generation industrial communication.
In summary, HMS Networks’ data paints a vivid picture of a market transitioning toward Ethernet-based technologies at the expense of older, less flexible fieldbus systems. This shift aligns perfectly with broader industrial digitalization initiatives aiming for wireless connectivity, greater speed, real-time data exchange, and seamless IT integration. Economic challenges briefly slowed investments in 2024, but the fundamental trends pushing Industrial Ethernet forward remain unshaken. As this technology now accounts for three-quarters of all new industrial network nodes globally, manufacturers and network providers alike must embrace Ethernet’s capabilities—and its wireless complements—to guarantee operational competitiveness in the emerging era of smart factories and Industry 4.0. HMS Networks’ ongoing analysis will continue to serve as an essential compass for stakeholders navigating this fast-evolving market landscape.
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