Delray Beach, Fla. – September 17, 2026 -- The global network automation market is projected to grow from USD 8.69 billion in 2026 to USD 14.42 billion by 2032, a compound annual growth rate of 8.8%, according to MarketsandMarkets. The market stood at USD 7.88 billion in 2025, marking steady acceleration as enterprises replace fragmented manual network operations with centralized, programmable management systems.
AI-driven automation segment set for fastest growth as networks demand adaptive intelligence
Within the network automation type category, AI-driven solutions are expected to post the highest CAGR through 2032. Unlike conventional automation that executes predetermined tasks, AI-driven platforms analyze network telemetry, flag anomalies, and support configuration and resource-utilization decisions in real time. This capability is increasingly critical as networks generate larger volumes of operational data across distributed data center, cloud, branch, and edge infrastructure.
Services segment to grow at 9.5% CAGR as orchestration automation leads market share
The services segment is projected to register the highest CAGR at 9.5% during the forecast period, while orchestration automation is set to remain the largest segment overall. Data center networks are expected to hold the largest market share, reflecting continued investment in centralized provisioning and configuration tools as organizations manage increasingly hybrid and software-defined environments.
Enterprise buyers to retain largest market share as multi-site operations scale
The enterprise segment is forecast to hold the largest end-user share, driven by organizations operating across multiple offices, data centers, cloud environments, and remote locations. Financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, telecommunications, and government sectors are adopting automation to standardize configuration activities and improve visibility across distributed infrastructure, as network operations increasingly integrate with DevOps, IT service management, and security processes.
Asia Pacific to post fastest regional growth amid data center and telecom expansion
Asia Pacific is expected to record the highest CAGR among regions, fueled by expanding digital infrastructure investment in cloud, data centers, and telecommunications. China, India, Japan, and South Korea are contributing to regional expansion through network modernization programs, while telecom providers across the region adopt software-driven architectures to manage increasingly complex, geographically distributed network resources.
HPE's $13 billion Juniper Networks acquisition reshapes competitive landscape
HPE completed its acquisition of Juniper Networks in July 2025 for approximately USD 13 billion, creating a broader AI-native networking portfolio spanning hardware, software, security, and services. Nokia and Ericsson are separately expanding investments in AI-driven and closed-loop automation to support the transition toward autonomous networks. Top companies identified in the market include Cisco, IBM, HPE, Huawei, Broadcom, Arista Networks, Nokia, Ericsson, Extreme Networks, and Fujitsu.
Investment activity is concentrating on AI-driven network operations, orchestration, cloud-native management, observability, and intent-based networking. The market is shifting from standalone configuration tools toward integrated software platforms that automate the full network operations lifecycle, with mergers and acquisitions increasingly centered on AI-native networking, SD-WAN, and autonomous operations capabilities.