By Allen 
Ethernet switches are a foundational element in industrial automation networks, and Hirschmann provides some of the most reliable Ethernet switches that can support critical industries.
The industrial automation and control market is projected to reach $378.57 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 10.8% from 2025 to 2030. At the core of efficient industrial automation lies efficient industrial devices by the top automation brands that drive smart automation.
Here, we list the top industries that will rely on the widely recommended Hirschmann Ethernet switches for smart and efficient automation in 2026.
Hirschmann Ethernet Switches and What They Offer to Industries
Hirschmann Ethernet switches are robust, secure, and high-performance industrial devices that offer networking solutions for harsh, critical industrial environments. These are designed to perform reliably since they incorporate temperature/humidity tolerance, advanced security, PoE, redundancy (MRP, RSTP), and seamless IT/OT convergence.
These industrial Ethernet switches are widely recommended by Automation Parts Distributors due to their industrial-grade reliability, high performance and low latency, Power over Ethernet for IP cameras, and advanced security that protects critical infrastructure. Additionally, they support multiple standard industrial protocols (PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP), ensuring compatibility across industries.
Top Industries that will Use Hirschmann Ethernet Switches for Smart Automation in 2026
The 9 top industries that benefit the most from adapting Hirschmann Ethernet Switches for smart automation and Industry 4.0 in 2026 are as follows:
1. Automation in Smart Manufacturing Industries
According to Deloitte’s Smart Manufacturing and Operations survey, 95% agree that smart manufacturing is the key driver of competitive industries. In all efficient smart manufacturing industries, industrial Ethernet switches are a key component.
Hirschmann Ethernet switches facilitate seamless, real-time communication between machines, sensors, and control systems, enhancing efficiency and process control. Thus, they ensure the precise, real-time machine coordination that is required for automated production processes and high-throughput systems, which effectively minimize downtime through robust network availability.
2. Oil and Gas Industries
The oil and gas industry necessitates the use of rugged networking solutions that can operate reliably in hazardous, demanding, and extreme industrial conditions. Built for continuous operation and remote monitoring of critical infrastructure, Hirschmann’s durable, high-performance switches are specifically engineered to withstand such environments.
Hirschmann switches facilitate the digitalization of process control, enabling PLC visualization, integrated control systems, and functional safety in exploration and refining operations where extreme temperatures and vibration are common.
3. Resilient Energy and Power Utilities
In electrical substations and renewable energy systems, the Hirchmann Ethernet switches support critical monitoring and control, often using standards like IEC 61850. They are a vital, high-reliability component with built-in security features essential for monitoring and controlling equipment, and protecting networks from cyber threats to ensure continuous operation.
These offer unique features like Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) and High-Availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR). These ensure “hitless recovery” in case of link failure, which is vital for maintaining grid stability and improving power availability.
4. Transportation, Including Rail, Road, and Aerospace
Intelligent transport systems (ITS) and railway applications demand robust Ethernet switches that can manage data from signaling, surveillance, and control systems while being resilient to vibration and temperature extremes.
Hirschmann offers specialized, robust switches (e.g., IP67/IP65 rated), offering real-time data transfer, designed for use in harsh mobile environments like railway components and road vehicles. This makes them suitable for use in moving vehicles and trackside installations, ensuring reliable communication for safety and operational efficiency.
5. Water and Wastewater Treatment
Similar to other critical utilities, water treatment plants require a secure and reliable communication infrastructure for monitoring and control systems. Thus, the top automation parts distributors recommend Hirschmann Ethernet switches for their support of the necessary redundancy protocols and environmental resistance.
These devices enable consistent monitoring and process control through secure and reliable connectivity for managing remote pumps, sensors, and control systems across distributed and often harsh outdoor locations.
6. Automotive Manufacturing
Automotive manufacturing is undergoing a noticeable shift towards highly automated and connected automotive production lines. This calls for robust networking solutions that are designed to handle high data volumes and precise control.
Hirschmann switches facilitate this automation with features like Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) support. They also support in-vehicle networking by facilitating high-speed data transfer and low latency for critical in-car systems. This, in turn, serves as the foundation for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), infotainment systems, and autonomous driving technologies.
7. Chemical Industries
Chemical processing requires integrated control systems and functional safety due to inherent risks. The Hirschmann Ethernet switches are widely recommended by Automation Parts Distributors for their ability to provide reliable, secure, and robust network connectivity in harsh and demanding environments.
These switches are built with extreme environmental resilience, high reliability, and advanced security, and incorporate standard industrial protocols to support the complex, real-time data transfer. Thus, they have all the necessary features for monitoring and automating sensitive chemical reactions and material handling processes.
8. Food and Beverage Manufacturing
In the food processing and packaging industries, automation must comply with strict hygiene and safety regulations. Further, the aim is to ensure consistent quality, safety, and efficiency in every step from processing to packaging.
The need for hygienic and sometimes washdown environments makes the ruggedness of industrial-grade Hirschmann switches essential. The robust design and reliable operation of these switches in conditions with moisture and dirt ensure high-speed control for packaging lines and seamless integration of quality control systems.
9. Mining and Heavy-Duty Machinery
Industrial networking in mining operations links autonomous vehicles, heavy machinery, and control rooms in challenging, remote environments. The usual operations involving heavy-duty machinery often occur in geographically remote, challenging environments.
The Hirschmann Ethernet switches are robust devices well-suited for such applications, ensuring reliable connectivity for monitoring and control systems in the field. Further, the ruggedness and high bandwidth of these switches support critical autonomous systems, improving safety and productivity.
Wrapping Up
Whether you require automation in a rugged industry or for critical infrastructure, Hirschmann Ethernet switches are a key element in industrial infrastructure. From manufacturing and transportation to energy distribution and oil and gas, these are a must-have for smart automation in line with Industry 4.0.
Hirschmann Ethernet Switches for Smart and Efficient Industrial Automation
Want to implement rugged, reliable industrial performance through efficient Ethernet switches? Consult automation parts distributors for Hirschmann products suited to your industry.