Market Perception of Industrial Ethernet Is Shifting
Industrial Ethernet’s migration to the device level of the automation network hierarchy signals its ongoing march downward in the enterprise architecture. Now a staple at the control level of the automation hierarchy, ARC’s past research findings at the device level have typically shown that, in spite of its significant potential, Ethernet’s shortcomings in areas such as industrial performance, topology restrictions, and higher incremental cost have dampened its prospects relative to traditional serial device networks and other alternatives.
The results of ARC’s latest update show a marked shift in this legacy market perception of industrial Ethernet at the device level. While some of the traditional shortcomings still prevail, particularly the cost of the interface relative to alternatives, the desirability of a single, common, network technology that both simplifies network administration and enables vertical integration is readily apparent. Of even greater import as far as growth potential is the market emphasis on Ethernet’s commonality rather than its openness.
Strategic Issues
Many of Ethernet’s traditional shortcomings at the device level have been overcome through intelligent implementation, increased speed and performance, the addition of time synchronization and machine safety protocols, and now the ability to daisy-chain networks through embedded switching capabilities.
- What is the best way to capitalize on Ethernet’s growth potential?
- Which industries and applications represent the best prospects?
- Which industrial device types hold the greatest promise for growth in Ethernet sales?
- How will the move toward embedded switching impact the future market?