Network Automation Market Size, Share, Growth Trends, and Forecast to 2031
The Global Network Automation Market is witnessing rapid expansion as enterprises and service providers increasingly adopt software-driven networking to manage growing infrastructure complexity. Network automation enables organizations to configure, manage, monitor, and optimize network operations with minimal human intervention, significantly improving efficiency, scalability, and reliability.
The global network automation market size was valued at USD 4,610.0 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 5,539.9 million in 2024 to USD 23,878.0 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 23.21% from 2024 to 2031.
This strong growth is driven by the rising adoption of cloud computing, data center modernization, 5G deployment, and the increasing need to reduce operational costs and network downtime. As digital transformation accelerates across industries, network automation is becoming a critical enabler of agile, secure, and intelligent IT infrastructures.
Network Automation Market: Key Highlights
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Rapid adoption of software-defined networking (SDN) and network functions virtualization (NFV)
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Growing demand for zero-touch provisioning and automated network configuration
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Increasing integration of AI, machine learning, and analytics in network management
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Rising complexity of enterprise networks due to cloud, IoT, and edge computing
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Strong growth across telecom, BFSI, IT, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors
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Asia-Pacific emerging as a high-growth region due to digital infrastructure investments
Market Drivers Fueling Growth
Rising Network Complexity
Modern enterprise networks are becoming increasingly complex due to hybrid cloud architectures, multi-vendor environments, and distributed workloads. Manual network management is no longer sustainable, leading organizations to adopt automation tools to reduce configuration errors and improve network visibility.
Demand for Operational Efficiency
Network automation significantly reduces operational expenditure by minimizing manual intervention, accelerating troubleshooting, and improving resource utilization. Enterprises are increasingly prioritizing automation to ensure business continuity and meet stringent service-level agreements (SLAs).
Expansion of Cloud and Data Centers
The rapid growth of cloud computing and hyperscale data centers is driving demand for automated network provisioning and orchestration. Network automation helps manage dynamic workloads, scale resources efficiently, and maintain consistent network performance across environments.
5G and Telecom Network Transformation
Telecommunication providers are adopting network automation to support 5G rollouts, virtualized network functions, and real-time traffic optimization. Automation plays a crucial role in enabling faster service deployment and improved customer experience.
Emerging Trends in the Network Automation Market
AI-Driven Network Automation
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming network automation by enabling predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and self-healing networks. AI-powered automation tools can proactively identify issues, optimize traffic flows, and reduce downtime.
Intent-Based Networking (IBN)
Intent-based networking is gaining traction as it allows organizations to define business objectives rather than manually configuring network devices. Automation platforms translate intent into policies and continuously monitor compliance.
Zero-Touch Network Operations
Zero-touch provisioning and management enable networks to be deployed and operated with minimal human involvement. This trend is particularly important for large-scale data centers and telecom networks.
Integration with DevOps and NetDevOps
Network automation is increasingly aligned with DevOps practices, enabling faster deployments and continuous integration. Infrastructure-as-code (IaC) and API-driven automation are becoming standard across enterprises.
Market Restraints and Challenges
Despite strong growth prospects, the network automation market faces several challenges:
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High initial implementation costs for advanced automation platforms
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Skill gaps in automation and scripting technologies
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Integration complexities with legacy network infrastructure
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Security concerns related to automated network access and configuration
However, ongoing advancements in user-friendly automation tools and managed services are expected to mitigate these challenges over time.
Network Automation Market Segmentation
By Component
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Solutions
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Services
Network automation solutions dominate the market due to widespread adoption of centralized management platforms, while services such as consulting, deployment, and support are gaining traction among large enterprises.
By Network Type
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Physical Networks
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Virtual Networks
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Hybrid Networks
Hybrid networks account for a significant market share as organizations transition from traditional to cloud-based environments.
By Deployment Mode
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On-Premises
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Cloud-Based
Cloud-based deployment is expected to witness the fastest growth due to scalability, flexibility, and lower upfront costs.
By End User
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Telecom Service Providers
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Enterprises
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Data Centers
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Managed Service Providers
Telecom service providers represent a major end-user segment owing to large-scale network virtualization and 5G deployments.
Regional Analysis of the Global Network Automation Market
North America
North America holds a dominant market share due to early adoption of advanced networking technologies, strong presence of leading vendors, and high investments in cloud and data center infrastructure. The United States leads the region with widespread adoption across enterprises and telecom operators.
Europe
Europe is experiencing steady growth driven by digital transformation initiatives, regulatory compliance requirements, and increased adoption of automation across industries such as BFSI, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Asia-Pacific
Asia-Pacific is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Rapid urbanization, expanding telecom networks, increasing cloud adoption, and government-led digital initiatives in countries such as China, India, and Japan are driving regional growth.
Latin America
Latin America is witnessing growing adoption of network automation as organizations modernize IT infrastructure and improve network reliability. Brazil and Mexico are key contributors to regional growth.
Middle East & Africa
The Middle East & Africa region is gradually adopting network automation due to investments in smart cities, digital infrastructure, and telecom modernization.
Competitive Landscape
The global network automation market is highly competitive, with key players focusing on innovation, strategic partnerships, and product enhancements. Companies are investing heavily in AI-powered automation platforms and cloud-native solutions to gain a competitive edge.
Key Market Players Include:
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Cisco Systems, Inc.
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Juniper Networks, Inc.
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Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
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IBM Corporation
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VMware, Inc.
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Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)
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Nokia Corporation
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Arista Networks
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NetBrain Technologies
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BMC Software
These players are emphasizing intent-based networking, AI integration, and enhanced security features to strengthen their market position.
Future Outlook of the Network Automation Market (2024–2031)
The future of the network automation market looks highly promising, supported by increasing digitalization, cloud adoption, and demand for intelligent network management. Organizations are expected to continue investing in automation to improve agility, reduce costs, and enhance network resilience.
Emerging technologies such as AI-driven analytics, edge computing, and software-defined infrastructure will further accelerate market growth. Additionally, the shift toward autonomous networks and self-healing systems will redefine how enterprises and service providers manage their networks.
With a projected market size of USD 23,878.0 million by 2031, network automation will play a critical role in enabling next-generation digital ecosystems and supporting the evolving needs of global enterprises.
Conclusion
The Global Network Automation Market is entering a phase of robust growth, driven by technological advancements, increasing network complexity, and the need for efficient, scalable operations. As organizations continue to embrace cloud, 5G, and AI-driven solutions, network automation will remain a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure.
Enterprises that invest early in advanced network automation platforms will be better positioned to achieve operational excellence, enhance security, and gain a competitive advantage in an increasingly connected digital world.