Background:

Katharina Kasper ViaNobis GmbH operates over 130 facilities in Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and North Rhine-Westphalia with approximately 6,300 employees, including 6 hospitals and 6 day clinics. The increasing integration of IT into medical and nursing processes requires a secure, centrally managed network structure to ensure the protection of critical infrastructure.

Challenge:

• Increasing number of unprotected network access points, IoT devices, and medical devices
• Lack of clarity regarding which devices are connected where on the network
• BYOD risks posed by employees, guests, and external contractors
• Protection even for devices without an 802.1X certificate
• Dynamic VLAN assignment for known device groups
• Automatic isolation of unauthorized or unknown devices

Solution:

The choice fell on ARP-GUARD from ISL GmbH, implemented by GORDION:
 

• Network segmentation via VLANs – automated assignment based on defined rules
• Device fingerprinting for identification even without 802.1X
• Centralized sensor management architecture for cross-site network control
• Graphical network topology for easy overview and management
• Tagged VLANs for rapid integration of VoIP and Wi-Fi
• Access policies for guests, third-party devices, and external technicians
• BYOD integration for employees and patients in compliance with security policies

Result:

• Enhanced security – only approved devices are granted access
• Significant reduction in routine tasks for the IT department
• Automatic VLAN switching at all locations – can be implemented even by non-technical site operators
• Seamless integration during ongoing 24/7 operations
• Quick localization of end devices within the hospital network
• Verifiable KRITIS and BSI compliance in network operations
• Foundation laid for digital e-health processes

Conclusion:

Thanks to ARP-GUARD, the Dernbacher Group was able to establish a modern, secure, and automated network structure that meets the growing demands for IT security and flexibility in the healthcare sector. GORDION supported the project as an experienced implementation partner—from consulting through to seamless deployment in live operations.