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Industrial Ethernet now powers 76% of factory automation nodes: HMS Networks
Industry News- Jun 04,25
HMS Networks’ 2025 report shows Industrial Ethernet now powers 76 per cent of new factory automation nodes, as fieldbus tech declines. Despite a short-term slowdown, long-term market growth is forecast at 7.7 per cent, with strong regional shifts and rising demand for modern networking.
Halmstad (Sweden)
HMS Networks has released its highly anticipated annual analysis of the industrial network market, confirming a continued and rapid shift towards Industrial Ethernet, even as newly installed nodes slightly declined by 10–11 per cent in 2024 due to global economic headwinds.
The slowdown is attributed to broader uncertainties, tighter industrial spending, and excess production capacity in automation-heavy sectors like automotive and manufacturing—especially in Europe. However, the long-term picture remains optimistic, with projected market growth of 7.7 per cent over the next five years, according to the report.
Industrial Ethernet surges ahead
The report confirms that Ethernet-based industrial networks now dominate, accounting for 76 per cent of all newly installed factory automation nodes, up from 71 per cent in 2024. This solidifies Ethernet’s position as the backbone of modern industrial communication.
Among Ethernet protocols:
- PROFINET leads at 27%, rising from 23 per cent last year
- EtherNet/IP holds 23 per cent
- EtherCAT strengthens to 17 per cent
- Modbus TCP remains at 4 per cent
- Other Ethernet standards, such as POWERLINK and CC-Link IE, maintain niche yet stable positions
This growth reflects industry preference for scalable, real-time, and information-rich communication networks, especially as digitalization and IoT adoption continues in manufacturing.
Fieldbus Tech in Decline
Once dominant, Fieldbus-based networks now make up just 17 per cent of new installations, falling sharply from 22 per cent in 2024. This signals an accelerated obsolescence of serial-based technologies, particularly now that the electronic component shortages of 2022–2023 have eased.
Breakdown within Fieldbus:
- PROFIBUS leads but drops to 5 per cent
- DeviceNet, CC-Link, and Modbus RTU each see a 1-point decline
- CAN/CANopen holds at 2 per cent
- Other legacy protocols collectively account for 4 per cent
Wireless connectivity holds ground
Wireless technologies remain stable at 7 per cent of newly installed nodes. While not used for real-time-critical applications, wireless remains vital for mobile systems, AGVs, and retrofitting legacy infrastructure, offering flexibility and connectivity in hard-to-reach environments.
Although 5G is gaining traction in telecoms, its industrial adoption remains slow due to cost, infrastructure complexity, and challenges in achieving real-time capabilities. That said, pilot deployments in Asia suggest promising potential for future growth.
Some of the regional trends are:
- Europe: Strong growth in PROFINET and EtherCAT, with rising interest in APL (Advanced Physical Layer) and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) for enhanced process automation.
- North America: EtherNet/IP leads. Adoption of IO-Link, APL, and SPE is gaining pace as smart device integration intensifies.
- Asia: Both PROFINET and EtherCAT are expanding in China, while CC-Link IE maintains a strong foothold, being the first to adopt TSN (Time Sensitive Networking).
HMS Networks’ perspective
“This year’s data clearly confirms the ongoing shift from traditional fieldbuses to Industrial Ethernet,” said Magnus Jansson, VP of Marketing at HMS Networks. “It’s a transition driven by the need for modern, flexible networks in today’s highly digitalised manufacturing environments.”
He added, “Even though Ethernet is now well-established, there’s still strong growth ahead thanks to innovations like TSN, gigabit Ethernet, Single Pair Ethernet, and greater OT/IT convergence.”
Study methodology
The report is based on a blend of internal HMS data, market research, and input from key industry stakeholders, focusing on newly installed factory automation nodes worldwide. Each node represents a machine or device connected to a control network, illustrating real-time trends in industrial connectivity.
Despite short-term turbulence, HMS’s forecast highlights a sustained demand for advanced industrial networking solutions, as manufacturers continue to digitise operations, reduce energy consumption, and increase productivity.
HMS Networks
Industrial Ethernet
Magnus Jansson
PROFINET
EtherNet/IP
EtherCAT
Factory Automation
Fieldbus
Sweden
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