Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market Share & Trends [2033]

Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market Overview

The Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market size was valued at USD 466.94989 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 693.931 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2025 to 2033.
The market for unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches is growing steadily, driven by the increasing need for reliable and cost-effective networking in industrial automation systems. These switches are widely used in manufacturing, energy, transportation, and infrastructure due to their simplicity, plug-and-play functionality, and robust performance in harsh environments. Unlike managed switches, they do not require configuration, making them ideal for small-scale or static networks with minimal maintenance needs.

Rapid industrialization and expansion of IoT-based systems in factories and processing units are significantly boosting demand for these switches. Their ability to maintain stable connections between devices such as PLCs, sensors, and SCADA systems is essential for uninterrupted operations. As industrial networks grow more complex, the need for affordable, entry-level networking solutions is encouraging companies to deploy unmanaged switches in specific layers of their infrastructure, particularly where advanced management is not required.

Vendors are responding with rugged designs, DIN rail mounting, and extended temperature tolerance, catering to industries like oil & gas, water treatment, and manufacturing. Although limited in functionality, these switches offer high durability, long lifecycle, and consistent performance. Emerging economies are also adopting them in infrastructure upgrades, where budget constraints and low technical skill availability make unmanaged switches an ideal option.

Key Findings

DRIVER: The market is driven by the increasing demand for cost-effective, plug-and-play networking solutions in industrial automation, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and energy.

COUNTRY/REGION: Asia-Pacific leads the market, fueled by rapid industrialization and infrastructure development in countries such as China and India.

SEGMENT: Unmanaged switches with 5–8 ports are the most popular due to their balance of scalability and simplicity, while DIN-rail mounted models are favored for their ease of installation in compact industrial environments.

Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market Trends

The market is witnessing a surge in demand due to growing industrial digitalization and the expansion of smart factories where basic Ethernet connectivity remains essential. Increasing adoption of IoT and edge devices in industrial operations has heightened the need for dependable, entry-level networking solutions. Many manufacturers are incorporating unmanaged Ethernet switches into low-tier systems to support non-critical communication channels. There is also a trend toward ruggedized product designs with improved ingress protection and extended operating temperatures to meet the challenging conditions of heavy industries. Moreover, OEMs are offering switches with faster data rates such as Gigabit Ethernet and higher port counts to address diverse installation requirements. A push toward sustainability is seen in the development of energy-efficient switches. With Industry 4.0 and smart infrastructure projects underway, particularly in developing countries, the market is finding growth opportunities in new construction and retrofitting projects. Manufacturers are also streamlining product lines with plug-and-play solutions that offer quick deployment with minimal installation complexity. A notable shift includes the bundling of unmanaged switches into broader industrial networking packages by system integrators and automation vendors.

Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market Dynamics

The dynamics of the unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches market are shaped by growing industrial automation, demand for robust and cost-effective networking solutions, and the expansion of smart infrastructure. A major driver is the increasing need for simple, plug-and-play devices that support reliable data communication in harsh industrial environments. These switches are favored in applications where managed capabilities are not essential, reducing complexity and installation costs. The rise of Industry 4.0 and digitalization in manufacturing, transportation, and energy sectors also boosts market growth. However, one key restraint is the limited functionality of unmanaged switches compared to managed alternatives, which may restrict their use in more complex network settings. Additionally, cybersecurity concerns and the lack of remote configuration or monitoring features pose challenges in certain applications. Despite these limitations, the market continues to benefit from strong demand in small to mid-sized industrial facilities, where ease of use and durability are top priorities. Opportunities are emerging in developing regions where industrial expansion is accelerating, and cost-effective solutions are in high demand. Technological improvements in switch hardware and growing awareness of reliable network infrastructure further support market development. Overall, the market remains resilient, with steady growth across varied industrial and utility environments.

DRIVER

Expansion of industrial automation infrastructure and demand for robust networking

With rising investments in automation and smart manufacturing, industries are deploying more field devices that require reliable, low-maintenance connectivity. Unmanaged switches are ideal in areas where fixed configurations suffice, offering a cost-efficient way to extend networks quickly without additional software management.

RESTRAINT

Lack of advanced features and scalability

Unmanaged Ethernet switches offer limited flexibility due to their non-configurable nature, which restricts their suitability for larger or dynamic network topologies. Their lack of monitoring, security, and remote management features makes them less viable for critical applications that demand operational visibility and troubleshooting capabilities.

OPPORTUNITY

Infrastructure development in emerging markets

In developing countries, the ongoing digitization of utilities, transportation systems, and manufacturing plants is generating new demand for budget-friendly networking solutions. Unmanaged switches are benefiting from this trend as they are easier to deploy and require minimal training or technical expertise, making them attractive for small and mid-size industrial projects.

CHALLENGE

Competition from managed switch alternatives

As prices for managed switches continue to decline and user demand for network monitoring and control grows, unmanaged switches face stiff competition. Businesses seeking scalability and centralized management increasingly prefer managed options, which may impact future growth prospects of unmanaged switch vendors in complex network environments.

Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market Segmentation

The market is segmented by type and application, reflecting the broad use of unmanaged Ethernet switches across various industrial sectors. By type, switches are commonly categorized into DIN-rail and rack-mounted versions, with the former being more popular due to compact size and easy installation in control cabinets. DIN-rail mounted switches are preferred in discrete manufacturing and utilities. Rack-mounted types are used in centralized setups. Applications include factory automation, building management systems, transportation, and energy. Factory automation remains the leading application, where switches enable seamless device interconnectivity. In utilities, these switches support SCADA and remote terminal units for reliable communication in power and water plants.

By Type

RJ-45 Ethernet Switches: RJ-45 Ethernet switches use standard twisted-pair copper cables for connecting devices in industrial networks. They are cost-effective, easy to install, and ideal for short-distance data transmission in environments like factories and warehouses where basic networking with moderate data rates is sufficient.
BNC Ethernet Switches: BNC Ethernet switches use coaxial cables and are commonly employed in legacy systems or environments requiring robust connections over longer distances. They provide stable data transmission and are valued in specific industrial setups that rely on older networking infrastructure with minimal upgrade needs.

By Application

Discrete Industries: Discrete industries, such as automotive, electronics, and aerospace, use unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches to support real-time control, machine communication, and assembly line automation. These switches help enable efficient and reliable network operations without the need for complex configurations or management.
Process Industries: Process industries like oil & gas, chemicals, and water treatment rely on unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches for stable communication in hazardous or remote environments. These switches facilitate data transfer between sensors, controllers, and monitoring systems, ensuring continuous and safe process control operations.

Regional Outlook of the Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market

The regional outlook of the unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches market is influenced by the pace of industrial automation, infrastructure development, and technological adoption across different regions. North America leads due to its established industrial base, high demand for rugged networking equipment, and early adoption of Industry 4.0 principles. The United States and Canada invest significantly in smart manufacturing, oil and gas, and transportation sectors where reliable unmanaged switches are essential. Europe follows closely, with countries like Germany, France, and the UK emphasizing automation in manufacturing and energy distribution. The Asia Pacific region is witnessing the fastest growth, driven by rapid industrialization in China, India, South Korea, and Southeast Asian nations. Government initiatives to boost smart factories and digital transformation are fueling demand for industrial networking components. China’s massive manufacturing sector and infrastructure projects contribute significantly to regional expansion. In the Middle East and Africa, demand is rising moderately, supported by investments in oil, gas, and water treatment facilities, especially in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Latin America shows steady growth potential, particularly in Brazil and Mexico, where industrial upgrades are underway. Overall, Asia Pacific is emerging as the most dynamic region, while North America and Europe remain mature markets with stable and sustained demand.

North America

North America has a mature industrial automation sector, particularly in the U.S., where many legacy systems continue to rely on unmanaged switches. The presence of leading automation companies and a strong focus on manufacturing efficiency support consistent market demand in the region.

Europe

Europe is adopting unmanaged switches in industrial automation upgrades and new smart infrastructure projects. Countries like Germany, Italy, and France are seeing usage in energy grids and transport systems. The region emphasizes environmental standards, pushing manufacturers toward energy-efficient unmanaged switch models.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region for unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches due to rapid industrialization, infrastructure expansion, and widespread adoption of smart factories. Countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Japan are deploying these switches in manufacturing hubs and public utilities.

Middle East & Africa

This region is gradually adopting unmanaged Ethernet switches in utility modernization and oil & gas automation. While the market is still emerging, increasing investment in digital infrastructure and industrial diversification is expected to drive future growth in select countries.

List of Top Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market Companies

Siemens AG
Cisco Systems Inc.
Moxa Inc.
Belden Inc.
Advantech Co., Ltd.
Phoenix Contact
Red Lion Controls
Schneider Electric SE
Westermo Network Technologies
Hirschmann (a Belden brand)

Siemens AG: Siemens AG offers a wide portfolio of industrial networking products, including unmanaged Ethernet switches designed for tough environments. Their products are widely adopted in manufacturing and utility sectors due to reliability, global service support, and integration with automation systems.

Moxa Inc.: Moxa is a global leader in industrial networking and communication, providing high-performance unmanaged switches with robust design features. Their switches are engineered for mission-critical applications and support edge connectivity across a wide range of industries, including transportation and energy.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches market is shaped by the growing focus on automation in emerging economies and the retrofit of aging infrastructure in developed regions. Governments are investing in smart cities and industrial modernization, creating a positive landscape for network hardware deployment. Low-cost unmanaged switches are gaining traction in projects with budget limitations, and investors are finding opportunities in volume-based demand. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and system integrators are forming alliances to streamline procurement and deployment. Investments are also seen in product line expansion, regional distribution enhancements, and technology licensing to improve competitiveness. As industrial operations increasingly embrace digital transformation, SMEs and utilities are boosting adoption, creating recurring sales and long-term opportunities. The aftermarket for replacement and upgrade of unmanaged switches in older systems further contributes to investment potential. Cost-efficiency, durability, and simplicity remain the top selling points for attracting infrastructure-focused investors across developing markets.

New Product Development

New product development in unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches is focused on increasing resilience, performance, and ease of installation. Manufacturers are launching switches with improved surge protection, electromagnetic shielding, and wider operating temperature ranges. Integration with redundant power inputs and advanced casing materials is becoming common to ensure uninterrupted operation in harsh environments. Compact and modular designs are being prioritized to fit various industrial layouts, including mobile machinery and compact control panels. There is an emphasis on plug-and-play operation with features that simplify deployment for technicians with limited IT skills. Some vendors are combining unmanaged switches with diagnostic LEDs and enhanced enclosure ratings to ensure operational visibility. Product lines now include models with higher bandwidth and more port options to support a growing number of connected devices. Environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance are being addressed through RoHS-compliant components and energy-efficient circuitry. Tailored solutions for verticals such as oil & gas, railways, and building automation are also emerging as part of differentiation strategies.

Five Recent Developments

Moxa launched a new rugged unmanaged switch series with 10Gbps support.
Siemens introduced an ultra-compact unmanaged switch for space-constrained applications.
Advantech unveiled a PoE-enabled unmanaged Ethernet switch for automation systems.
Red Lion expanded its product line with industrial-grade 8-port unmanaged switches.
Cisco partnered with automation OEMs to bundle unmanaged switches in control system packages.

Report Coverage of Unmanaged Industrial Ethernet Switches Market

The report on the unmanaged industrial Ethernet switches market provides in-depth analysis of industry dynamics, covering market drivers, challenges, and growth opportunities. It includes detailed segmentation by type and application, along with comprehensive regional analysis. The report outlines key trends impacting product development and demand, including ruggedization, energy efficiency, and plug-and-play functionality. Competitive landscape analysis features profiles of leading market players, their product offerings, and recent developments. It also evaluates investment patterns, market entry strategies, and the influence of industrial automation trends on the demand for unmanaged switches. The study highlights emerging applications in transportation, energy, and manufacturing, as well as their role in digital infrastructure growth. Forecasts are based on historical data, industry expert insights, and macroeconomic factors, offering actionable insights for stakeholders. The report further explores innovation strategies, product launches, and collaborations that define market competition, helping manufacturers and investors navigate opportunities in this evolving industrial networking space.