Each year, HMS Networks presents their analysis of the industrial network market, focusing on new installed nodes within factory automation globally. As an independent supplier of solutions within industrial ICT (Information and Communication Technology), HMS has a substantial insight into the industrial network market. The 2023 study includes estimated market shares and growth rates for fieldbuses, industrial Ethernet and wireless technologies.
In the 2023 study, HMS concludes that the industrial network market continues to grow and that the total market growth in 2023 is expected to be +7%, confirming the continued importance of network connectivity in factories.
Industrial Ethernet is growing steadily
Growing by 10%, industrial Ethernet continues to take market share. Industrial Ethernet now makes up for 68% of the global market of new installed nodes in factory automation (compared to 66% last year). The head-to-head battle between PROFINET and EtherNet/IP continues as they lead the 2023 network rankings with 18% market share each, but EtherCAT also continues to grow strongly and is now in an unthreatened third place at 12% market share.
Source: HMS Networks
Fieldbuses are decreasing again
Last year’s growth for fieldbuses was temporary as new fieldbus installations decline with -5% in 2023. PROFIBUS leads the fieldbus rankings with 6% market share, but not with much as Modbus-RTU is close behind at 5%.
Together, fieldbuses account for 24% (27) of the market in 2023. Although the number of new fieldbus nodes are declining, a lot of devices, machines and factories will still be relying on the well-functioning and proven fieldbuses for many years to come.
Wireless grows fastest
The wireless growth accelerates to 22% in 2023, as more wireless industrial networking solutions are introduced in factory automation. Typical use cases include cable replacement applications, wireless machine access and connectivity to mobile industrial equipment.
Regional network variations
EtherNet/IP, PROFINET and EtherCAT are leading in Europe and the Middle East with PROFIBUS and Modbus-TCP as runners up. The U.S. market is dominated by EtherNet/IP with EtherCAT developing strongly and gaining market share. PROFINET leads a fragmented Asian market, followed by EtherNet/IP and strong contenders CC-Link/CC-Link IE Field, EtherCAT, PROFIBUS and Modbus (RTU/TCP).
