In 2017, we are more connected than ever before. From a consumer standpoint, our homes are smart – they can change temperature based on our presence or preferences; our cars act more like computers; we can monitor our nannies from our computers at work; and, we can remotely lock our doors –just to name a few.
This growth in connectivity isn’t limited to the consumer realm though – it has impacted the vast majority of industrial applications as well. Our critical infrastructure is becoming more connected to conquer traffic management problems, monitor the environment and improve manufacturing. Digital technology is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s a necessity for optimal business operations and we see many industries turning to wireless solutions. Chances are that even the most remote oil pumpjack sitting 30 miles away from the nearest highway has several connected devices onsite and it is probably using wireless technology to control, monitor and connect. It seems that wireless and Ethernet technologies continue to have an important place in our increasingly connected world.
The Future Looks Good for Wireless
Smart Industry recently posted an article reviewing some statics provided by HMS that demonstrate the growth in wireless and Ethernet devices as the demand for connectivity continues to grow. In the article, Anders Hansson cites new big trends such as the Industrial IoT (IIoT) and Industry 4.0 as drivers behind the demand for more wireless devices.
Here are some of the key statistics shared that demonstrate the demand and growth:
- Industrial Ethernet is growing faster than previous years with a 22 percent growth rate.
- Ethernet now makes up for 46 percent of the global market, compared to 38 percent last year.
- Wireless technologies are growing by 32 percent and now accounts for 6 percent of the total market.
- Fieldbuses are still the most widely used type of networks, with 48 percent of the market.
- Industrial Ethernet and wireless combined now account for more than half of the market at 52 percent.
It will be interesting to see how the technology landscape is impacted by the deployment of more wireless technologies over time. How are you using wireless and/or Ethernet technology for your connectivity needs? Do you expect to use more wireless technology in the next six months to a year?
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