The industrial networking realm has undergone a seismic shift over the past decade, pivoting decisively toward Industrial Ethernet as the backbone of modern factory automation. This transformation is best captured by the annual market analyses from HMS Networks, an independent powerhouse in Industrial ICT solutions. Their recent reports reveal not just Ethernet’s growing supremacy but also the dwindling role of legacy fieldbus technologies and the emergence of wireless networking. Understanding these trends offers a window into how manufacturing is accelerating into a future driven by connectivity, efficiency, and real-time data intelligence.
Across the global industrial landscape, Ethernet is no longer the newcomer—it’s the mainstream. According to HMS Networks’ 2025 data, Ethernet networks now comprise 76% of new nodes installed, up from 71% just a year earlier. This unwavering climb speaks volumes about manufacturers’ and system integrators’ clear choice: Ethernet offers a blend of higher speeds, exceptional scalability, and broad device compatibility that legacy systems simply can’t match. The fact that Ethernet is already the default in office environments smooths its transition to factories, where robust automation and control demand a backbone capable of supporting complex, data-heavy operations.
Delving into regional distinctions, we find that not all Industrial Ethernet protocols enjoy equal footing worldwide. In the United States, EtherNet/IP reigns supreme, buoyed by the country’s robust manufacturing sector and the pressing need for interoperable, reliable industrial communications. Across the vast and varied Asian markets, PROFINET takes the lead, with strong showings from EtherNet/IP, CC-Link/CC-Link IE Field, and EtherCAT as well. Europe, meanwhile, is a mosaic of Ethernet protocols, as various industries adopt solutions best aligned with their regulatory and operational landscapes. This geographical differentiation underscores Industrial Ethernet’s adaptability—it can cater to diverse industrial standards and sector-specific demands without sacrificing performance.
Alongside Ethernet’s rise, the slow but steady retreat of traditional fieldbus technologies is unmistakable. Once the unquestioned kings of factory communication, fieldbuses are now losing ground as Ethernet’s advantages shine ever brighter. Reports from HMS Networks mark the first real decline in fieldbus sales, a trend driven by Ethernet’s superior data rates, flexibility, and seamless integration with digital systems that are increasingly central to smart manufacturing. While certain contexts—like those requiring deterministic timing or compatibility with legacy machinery—still rely on fieldbuses, their overall market share is being eaten away by Ethernet-friendly modernization and the push toward digital transformation.
Wireless networking is carving out a fast-evolving niche within this industrial ecosystem. Though it still accounts for a smaller slice than wired Ethernet or fieldbuses, wireless nodes are spreading quickly, propelled by the rapid proliferation of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) sensors, Industry 4.0 initiatives, and evolving automation demands. Wireless networking shines in environments where cable installation is impractical or prohibitively expensive, offering a nimble complement to the wired infrastructure. This hybrid approach leverages the strengths of both wireless flexibility and Ethernet’s reliability—an essential combination as factories embrace more dynamic layouts and mobile equipment.
The shifting demands of the manufacturing sector heavily influence these networking developments. The smart manufacturing market is forecasted to surge past USD 600 billion by 2030, powered by AI, IoT, and sophisticated automation systems. Robust industrial networks capable of high-speed, secure data transmission are at the heart of this growth story. North America is a major driver in this arena, controlling over 38% of the global Industrial Ethernet market as of 2023. This leadership is rooted in its automotive industries, energy projects, and the widespread incorporation of cutting-edge manufacturing technologies. Other regions are not standing still; increased digitalization investment is closing gaps fast, hinting at a globally connected industrial future.
Looking ahead, Industrial Ethernet’s growth trajectory remains solid, with compound annual growth rates projected around 7.5% through 2030. This sustained expansion will be fueled by continuous innovation in hardware, software, and network protocols. HMS Networks, positioned at the forefront as a trusted connectivity partner, sees firsthand the adoption of ever more sophisticated communication architectures—with protocols like EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT providing not only real-time responsiveness and reliability but also seamless integration with IT systems. This convergence of OT (Operational Technology) and IT is critical for unlocking big data analytics, predictive maintenance, and operational agility.
In sum, the industrial networking landscape is clearly being redrawn in favor of Industrial Ethernet. HMS Networks’ annual analyses chronicle the increasing dominance of Ethernet nodes, the concurrent but slower rise of wireless solutions, and the diminishing role of traditional fieldbus systems. The inherent technological advantages of Ethernet, paired with momentum from digitalization trends such as Industry 4.0, AI, and IoT, create a compelling foundation for Ethernet’s central role in factory connectivity.
As industrial operations evolve to become smarter, more adaptive, and more efficient, Industrial Ethernet will serve as the critical enabler of this metamorphosis. Its global adaptability across regions and sectors highlights its versatility, while wireless technologies complement Ethernet by addressing crucial flexibility and cost-efficiency challenges. Together, these advances point toward a future wherein industrial networks are not just enablers but powerhouses of innovation and productivity—truly the silent engines revving behind the factories of tomorrow.
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