In modern manufacturing plants the automation of processes requires networking of the various components. These networks pass data between the machines, robots, and data acquisition systems. Some common networking protocols are: Devicenet, Profibus, Modbus+, and others. Which protocol is most popular and what is the most advanced networking method? What do you work with now and what do you see approaching? Bluetooth or some other wireless technology?

I believe Ethernet is becomming the most popular connection method for new installations. What do you think?