In this paper two novel networked model predictive control schemes based on neighbourhood optimization are presented for on-line optimization and control of a class of serially connected processes (known as the cascade processes in some references), in which the online optimization of the whole system is decomposed into that of several small-scale subsystems in distributed structures. Under network environment. the connectivity of the communication network is assumed to be sufficient for each subsystem to exchange information with its neighbour subsystems. An iterative algorithm for networked MPC and a networked MPC algorithm with one-step delay communication are developed according to different network capacities. The optimality of the iteration based networked MPC algorithm is analyzed and the nominal stability is derived for unconstrained distributed control systems. The nominal stability with one-step delay communication is employed for distributed control systems without the inequality constraints. Finally, an illustrative example and the simulation study of the fuel feed flow control for the walking beam reheating furnace are provided to test the effectiveness and practicality of the proposed networked MPC algorithms. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.