Networking Hardware Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Switches, Routers, Networking WLAN Equipment, Set-Top Boxes, Network Servers, Gateway), By Application (Telecom Operators, Internet Service Provider, Cable Operator, Business and Government, Personal User), and Regional Insights and Forecast To 2035

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NETWORKING HARDWARE MARKET OVERVIEW

The global Networking Hardware Market is set to rise approximately from USD 424 Billion in 2025 to USD 449.44 Billion in 2026, on track to hit USD 720.8 Billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 6% between 2025 and 2035.

The networking hardware market stands as a vital component that maintains simple data and communication transmissions between digital systems, thereby supporting contemporary IT structure development. Routers, switches, modems, access points, and network interface cards are among the networking devices that form the core of network creation and administration capabilities. The market maintains significant growth due to increasing demands for fast networking services and cloud-based functionality and Internet of Things systems. The market leaders invest in building modern hardware with expandable and secure capability to satisfy changing requirements of enterprises and consumers. The competitive industry forces parties to innovate through technological advancements, thus influencing the development of worldwide digital connectivity networks.

KEY FINDINGS

COVID-19 IMPACT

Networking Hardware Industry Had a Positive Effect Due to Pandemic acceleration during COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing Higher-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

The networking hardware market experienced a primarily beneficial impact from the COVID-19 pandemic because organizations scrambled to implement remote infrastructure for work and education and entertainment platforms. The quick digital tool integration by businesses and institutions necessitated strong, flexible network infrastructure, which led to increased sales across routers, switches, and access points. The market expanded because of cloud computing technologies alongside data center enlargement and video conference deployment, which compelled organizations to replace their networking systems. Rapid spending on high-speed connections together with advanced network solutions during this phase led to new innovative products. The pandemic functioned as an acceleration factor that drove networking hardware market expansion, which secured continued positive future growth patterns.

LATEST TRENDS

Market growth is driven by SDN and NFV’s network innovations

The networking hardware market is currently undergoing a significant shift due to rising interest in SDN along with NFV. Such technologies are revolutionizing conventional network infrastructure because they support central management systems and deliver adaptable and scalable networks. Through SDN networks, management becomes more effective, and administrators gain better control over traffic flow capabilities while requiring less dependence on physical equipment. SDN and NFV bring reductions in costs alongside network agility and better network functionalities. SDN plays an essential role in defining future network designs because businesses actively pursue digital transformation efforts.

• According to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the number of fixed broadband connections in the U.S. surpassed 122 million in 2023, prompting a significant rise in router and switch installations for both residential and enterprise networks.

• As per the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), over 47% of EU enterprises adopted Wi-Fi 6-enabled networking hardware by 2023, reflecting accelerated digital infrastructure modernization across the region.

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NETWORKING HARDWARE MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Switches, Routers, Networking WLAN Equipment, Set-Top Boxes, Network Servers, Gateway

• Switches: Local area networks rely on switches to achieve data packet forwarding by uniting several network devices for efficient communications. The devices help control network traffic by sending information to only its designated recipients, which simultaneously decreases performance bottlenecks and boosts system speed. The current network switches include Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality together with security system improvements and intelligent resource management options. Modern IT infrastructure depends heavily on switches to provide high-speed, scalable networks due to the growing requirements of network systems.

• Routers: Network routers function as essential gateway equipment that ensures smooth data packet transport between networks through their data routing functions while maintaining security during the process. Their main function entails providing internet access and traffic management services for wide area networks (WAN). New router technology features Wi-Fi 6 standards as well as advanced security measures and improved network bandwidth management capabilities. The escalating need for rapid network connectivity together with remote work practices created a substantial rise in router product requirements.

• Networking WLAN Equipment: WLAN equipment consists of devices such as access points, wireless controllers, and range extenders that deliver wireless internet connectivity throughout a network. Smart device and IoT adoption has created rising market demand for better, reliable wireless local area networks that deliver high-speed connectivity. Wi-Fi 6 technology, together with mesh networking systems, is boosting network effectiveness by increasing speed while delivering better coverage. Wireless communication remains possible thanks to WLAN equipment, which serves essential functions for commercial and family settings.

• Set-Top Boxes: STBs operate as receiving devices that transform digital signals for television display while delivering internet streaming and interactive content services. Advanced STBs and high-definition support combined with smart capabilities have gained significant demand as IPTV and over-the-top (OTT) content collection grows. Today's set-top boxes connect to network infrastructures, which enables users to share content through the network with effortless access. STB technology advancement demonstrates how society is moving toward digital home entertainment platforms combined with smart residence systems.

• Network Servers: Network servers operate as intensive hardware systems to control data storage and distribution among network connections, which assists enterprise functions together with cloud services. The hardware facilitates centralized data storage with application hosting and network security functions. The need for advanced, high-performance servers has increased because of the growth in edge computing technology combined with hybrid cloud adoption. Organizations that base their decisions on data need reliable network servers to guarantee operational continuity.

• Gateway: The functionality of gateways ensures system-to-system communication by connecting networks that operate under different protocol standards. They implement vital operational characteristics that include both protocol conversion together with data translation and security enforcement functionalities. Modern gateways address increasing cybersecurity challenges through their provision of encryption technology and firewall defense systems combined with traffic surveillance mechanisms. Businesses maintain safe and effective data exchange through gateways when they increase their digital operations across connected networks.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Telecom Operators, Internet Service Provider, Cable Operator, Business and Government, Personal User

• Telecom Operators: Communications service providers depend intensively on networking hardware for their operations, as this infrastructure enables voice, data, and video service delivery and network growth. Routers and servers with high-performance capabilities, along with switches, enable the management of vast data quantities and create a smooth connection experience. Advanced networking equipment receives investments due to growing 5G deployment and rising demands for high-speed internet. International digital transformations continuously evolve because telecom operators maintain active involvement in network development alongside technological progress.

• Internet Service Provider: Network hardware operated by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) serves to provide quick internet service delivery and stable network systems extending across extensive regions. The delivery of efficient data transmission and prevention of service interruptions depends on equipment that consists of routers, gateways, and modems.

• Cable Operator: The delivery of digital TV together with internet and VoIP services by cable operators depends on networking hardware both for consumers and service delivery frameworks. The distribution process and high-quality customer experiences depend on set-top boxes together with network servers and modems. Cable operators enhance their systems to carry out speedier data transfers as streaming operations advance while additionally adding interactive capabilities.

• Business and Government: Networking hardware enables businesses and government organizations to establish secure platforms that grow in capacity and operate with great efficiency for their communication systems. The combination of servers with switches and WLAN equipment enables the management of data while allowing cloud integration and collaborative functionality. Security-related concerns together with the priority of high-performance systems are now critical factors in why organizations invest more heavily in hardware solutions. The sectors prop up the market's need for modernized network architecture to facilitate digital advancement and production enhancements.

• Personal User: Household customers connect to home networks through routers and modems together with WLAN equipment in order to access the internet and connect their devices. Consistent wireless networking growth stems from the increasing market need for reliable and high-speed connectivity that supports smart homes and remote work and gaming applications. Home users increasingly adopt features in networking hardware that include mesh Wi-Fi as well as parental controls and enhanced security measures.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and restraining factors, opportunities and challenges stating the market conditions.

Driving Factors

Market growth is driven by demand for fast, reliable connections

Year after year, the market for networking hardware experiences increasing demand because users need fast, reliable internet connections. Modern organizations, along with individuals, need high-speed network systems because remote work and e-learning combined with digital entertainment have dramatically increased. The market demands advanced routers along with switches and WLAN equipment because of increasing technologies including 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and fiber-optic connections.

• According to India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), national broadband penetration reached 84% of urban households in 2023, resulting in increased demand for routers, modems, and network servers.

• As reported by the Japan Information Technology Promotion Agency (IPA), nearly 62% of Japanese companies upgraded networking hardware for cybersecurity compliance and data center efficiency improvements in 2023.

Cloud adoption and data center expansion drive computing market growth

The speed at which businesses are adopting cloud technology combined with growing data center operations establishes a strong market need for computing hardware systems. Modern business operations depend on cloud apps, which need high-performance server equipment and gateways as well as switches to efficiently handle data demands. Organizations working in data centers require flexible and protected network systems that can manage rising traffic volumes and storage demands and resulting networking hardware market growth.

Restraining Factor

High costs of advanced equipment limit market growth

Market expansion is limited by the high costs that exist for advanced networking equipment. High-performance routers, along with switches and network servers, represent costly devices that create difficulty for small businesses and individual users to purchase them. The complete ownership costs rise because of installation expenses together with maintenance costs and upgrade expenses. Market expansion is constrained by high costs that especially affect developing regions that have limited budgets.

• According to the U.S. International Trade Administration (ITA), 29% of networking hardware imports were delayed in 2023 due to semiconductor shortages and global logistics disruptions impacting switch and hub availability.

• As stated by the European Commission’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), 21% of SMEs in the EU delayed network modernization due to high hardware costs and lack of skilled IT infrastructure specialists.

IoT and smart home tech drive market growth

Opportunity

The rise of IoT devices along with smart home technology allows the networking hardware industry to experience accelerating growth. More devices connected to each other require quick and bug-free communication, which drives up demand for enhanced routers together with access points and switches. Advanced network infrastructure becomes essential due to the rising demand. The market expands to serve industries ranging from healthcare to manufacturing and smart cities due to additional IoT ecosystem development.

• According to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the U.S. government allocated over USD 42 billion under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program in 2023, offering substantial opportunities for networking hardware suppliers in rural broadband expansion.

• As per the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT, over 11 million households adopted gigabit internet connections in 2023, driving massive demand for high-speed network routers and smart connectivity devices.

Cybersecurity threats hinder market growth and demand security investments

Challenge

The networking hardware market faces its main obstacle in the growing number of cybersecurity threats, which lead to data breaches. Network systems face escalating threats when they grow extensive and interconnected because hackers, malware operations, and unauthorized access can penetrate this infrastructure. The implementation of secure networking hardware depends on regular technological advancement along with increasing expenditures for development investments. When security concerns go unmanaged, they produce data loss together with service interruptions alongside branding damage.

• According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), 35% of developing nations still face network infrastructure gaps due to outdated hardware and insufficient funding for digital transformation.

• As reported by the U.K. National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), one in every 9 corporate networks experienced security breaches in 2023 due to unpatched or outdated networking equipment, highlighting the urgent need for improved firmware management.

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NETWORKING HARDWARE MARKET REGIONAL INSIGHTS

• North America

North America drives market growth through tech innovation leadership

North American markets control the networking hardware sector because they lead in technological progress along with abundant internet connectivity and an intensive need for fast communication capabilities. The business sector continues to drive market expansion because the region rapidly implements 5G technology alongside cloud computing and IoT systems. Major investments from the United States Networking Hardware Market drive this market dominance because they focus heavily on data centers while developing smart cities and enterprise networks. Leading technology corporations operating alongside innovation centers across America drive permanent progress for state-of-the-art networking technology systems. The region maintains a robust network of players that maintains its position as the leading market force in networking hardware.

• Europe

Europe’s digital transformation and 5G adoption drive market growth

Europe holds remarkabkle networking hardware market share because of its emphasis on digital transformation and smart infrastructure advancement. The widespread adoption of 5G technology together with cloud services and IoT in the region generates high demand for routers, switches, and servers as advanced networking equipment. The governments of Germany, along with Germany and France, have allocated substantial budgetary funding to establish data centers along with high-speed connectivity networks.

• Asia

Asia’s digital economy and 5G investments drive market growth

Asia supports the networking hardware market development because of its continuously expanding digital economy and expanding telecommunications infrastructure. The countries of China and Japan, together with India, are making substantial investments to establish 5G networks and build smart cities while expanding their data centers, which requires greater demand for high-tech networking infrastructure. Strong network solutions gain fresh momentum through the developing consumer electronics industry as more Internet of Things devices get adopted in the market. The global networking hardware market depends heavily on Asia because of its massive population alongside an expanding online connectivity network.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Leading companies drive market growth through innovation and investment

Several networking hardware market leaders support ongoing development in this market by implementing constant technological upgrades and strategic capital deployments. Cisco, Huawei, Juniper Networks, and Arista Networks lead the market by developing advanced, high-performance network hardware solutions that provide scalability and security for increasing demands in fast connectivity systems. Market development occurs through research investments, product innovation, and partnerships that enable them to establish a worldwide presence with new technologies such as Wi-Fi 6 routers and 5G-compatible devices. The primary players of the market establish industrial benchmarks, which combine with their innovation efforts to control the competitive environment while stimulating market expansion over the long term.

• Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.: According to the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), Samsung contributed to over 38% of South Korea’s network hardware installations in 2023, driven by its production of 5G routers and enterprise network switches.

• Juniper Networks, Inc.: As per the U.S. Department of Energy’s Networking and Information Technology Research and Development (NITRD) program, Juniper supplied high-capacity routers supporting 400 Gbps networks across more than 25 federal research facilities in 2023.

List of Top Networking Hardware Companies

• Samsung (South Korea)
• Juniper (U.S)
• Pace (Arris) (U.K)
• D-Link (Taiwan)
• Belkin (U.S)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

June 2023: Cisco Systems introduced new AI networking chips from its SiliconOne series, designed to enhance AI supercomputer performance and compete with offerings from Broadcom and Marvell Technology. These chips are currently being tested by five of the six major cloud providers, aiming to connect up to 32,000 GPUs with improved speed and efficiency. This development underscores Cisco's commitment to advancing AI infrastructure and solidifying its position in the networking hardware market.

REPORT COVERAGE

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

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