In the 2024 study, HMS concludes that the industrial network market continues to grow, with total market growth in 2024 expected to be +7%, confirming the continued importance of network connectivity in factories, says Magnus Jansson, Product Marketing Director,  HMS Networks.

Each year, HMS Networks presents their analysis of the industrial network market, focusing on newly installed nodes within factory automation globally. As an independent supplier of solutions within industrial ICT (Information and Communication Technology), HMS has substantial insight into the industrial network market. The 2024 study includes estimated market shares and growth rates for fieldbuses, industrial ethernet, and wireless technologies. 

Steady growth

Growing by 12%, industrial ethernet accelerates its growth and continues to capture market share. Industrial ethernet now accounts for 71% of the global market for newly installed nodes in factory automation (compared to 68% last year). Profinet is the largest protocol, with a market share of 23%, surpassing EtherNet/IP, which accounts for 21% of new nodes. The popularity of EtherCAT remains strong and is now securely in third place with a 16% market share. 

Fieldbuses expected to decline 

Traditional serial fieldbus installations continue to lose momentum. While fieldbus installations still constitute a significant portion of new nodes added, annual growth is expected to drop by -2% in 2024. Profibus leads the fieldbus rankings with a 7% market share, followed by an even distribution among other well-known fieldbus protocols. Together, fieldbuses account for 22% of the market in 2024. Despite the decline in new fieldbus nodes, many devices, machines, and factories will continue to rely on these well-functioning and proven fieldbuses for years to come. 

Steady presence 

Wireless technologies have seen steady growth in recent years, although the pace of growth is now reported to have slightly decreased. Wireless solutions still comprise a robust 7% of the total share by type. The market continues to introduce more products with support for industrial wireless, and acceptance of wireless solutions in factory settings is on the rise. Typical use cases include cable replacement applications, wireless machine access, and connectivity to mobile industrial equipment. 

Conclusion

Industrial networking is now key for productivity and sustainability in manufacturing. Connectivity is now a standard in factory automation, with industrial ethernet leading the way. However, as we look ahead, we anticipate a dynamic landscape with emerging trends and technologies. While industrial ethernet currently dominates the sector, we will witness exciting changes and innovations that will shape the future of industrial networking.