With all the headlines about Ethernet this or wireless that, it’s tempting to believe that we are all falling over ourselves to install something new to do something amazing, and that all the growth is coming from massive investment in new automation systems and technologies. The slightly more grounded truth, though, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study, is that most of growth is coming from the upgrading of traditional serial device networks in factory automation to newer technologies.
Let’s not despondent, though, because we can see that users are deriving much more benefit than simple wiring displacement. Indeed if was just about reduced wiring costs it’s conceivable that users wouldn’t be turning to Ethernet at all, since the standard hub-and-spoke topology can often offset any potential wiring saving. No, Ethernet’s rising popularity in spite of this shortcoming highlights the higher-order value propositions, including integration with higher-level enterprise systems, sought by some device level network adopters.