Background:

The XXXLutz Group operates over 271 furniture stores with more than 4,500 switches and 72,000 end devices. Due to strong growth, greater transparency and secure network access were required.
 

Requirements:
 

• Access protection for a heterogeneous network
• Avoidance of 802.1X authentication due to complexity and technical limitations
• Desire for simple, MAC-based authentication

• Low administrative overhead and future scalability

   

Solution:
 

The ARP-GUARD NAC solution from ISL GmbH, implemented by Controlware Vienna, met all requirements:

• Vendor-neutral and scalable
• Rapid discovery and visualization of network devices

• Easy integration into existing processes

   

Project Timeline:
 

Following a successful proof of concept during the test phase, XXXLutz opted for ARP-GUARD:

• The originally planned 271 sensors were reduced to 11 central sensors.
• Instead of just 4, 180 stores were integrated at short notice.

• The implementation proceeded smoothly and went virtually unnoticed.

   

Result:

• Significant reduction in workload for IT administrators through automation
• Easy device discovery and VLAN assignment via ARP-GUARD
• Clear structures thanks to training provided by Controlware
• High satisfaction and close collaboration with ISL and Controlware

• ARP-GUARD is affectionately nicknamed “Gerti” internally.

   

Conclusion:
 

ARP-GUARD brought security, efficiency, and flexibility to the XXXLutz Group’s network management and established itself as a valued and indispensable system.