UMB is creating a secure and future-proof OT infrastructure for Regionalwerke Baden.
Regionalwerke Baden faced the challenge of building a completely new operational technology infrastructure network. As a greenfield project, this presented an opportunity to develop a modern architecture from the ground up—but it also meant ensuring that all operational, security, and future-readiness requirements were properly addressed from the very beginning. UMB has created a stable, secure, and highly available network environment that frees up time for Regionalwerke Baden.
#Fortinet #NetworkComplex Requirements in the Operational Technology Environment
Regionalwerke AG Baden (RWB) reliably supplies the Baden region with energy, water, and other infrastructure services. As a modern utility company, it places great emphasis on safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
The challenges at RWB were multifaceted and typical of modern OT environments: On the one hand, a clear and consistent separation between IT and OT networks had to be ensured to minimize risks. On the other hand, the existing production environment could not be compromised at any time—a critical factor in an environment where outages have immediate impacts on supply and operations.
Added to this were rising cybersecurity requirements. OT systems are increasingly becoming the target of attacks, while at the same time older technologies and long lifecycles often must be taken into account. At the same time, there was a desire for greater transparency: those responsible wanted to be able to track at any time which devices were active on the network and how data flows were moving. Only in this way can risks be identified early and managed efficiently.
Implementation and Transformation with Fortinet Technologies
Working closely with the client, UMB’s network experts have built a modern, scalable OT network architecture that optimally balances security and operational efficiency. At the core of the solution are technologies such as FortiGate for segmenting and securing network zones, and FortiSwitch for a high-performance and flexible network infrastructure at the access layer.
Through consistent segmentation, the network was logically divided into clearly defined zones. This not only reduces the attack surface but also ensures that potential disruptions remain localized.
Greater security, stability, and efficiency
With its new OT infrastructure, RWB now has a secure and future-proof network that meets growing demands. The improved segmentation significantly reduces risk, while at the same time greatly increasing transparency regarding systems and data flows. Michael Reinprecht, Network & Security Engineer at RWB, comments: “The new OT network architecture from UMB and Fortinet now offers significantly greater security and transparency. We maintain a clear overview of all devices and data flows at all times.”
The added value is also evident in day-to-day operations: The more stable environment reduces disruptions, and thanks to the clear structure, errors can be identified and resolved more quickly. This leads to noticeable time savings—both in analyzing problems and in the daily management of the infrastructure.
This provides long-term relief for the IT and OT teams, allowing them to focus more on strategic issues rather than having to invest time in time-consuming troubleshooting.
What happens next?
The project lays the groundwork for further developments. In the next phase, the IT lifecycle will be further advanced, particularly through the replacement of switch and wireless infrastructures. This will be complemented by regular engineering coordination as well as the continuous optimization and operation of the network and security landscape.
This ensures that the infrastructure not only remains stable but also continues to evolve—in line with the future requirements of Regionalwerke Baden.
More time for Regionalwerke Baden thanks to a highly available network environment.
The new OT network architecture from UMB and Fortinet now offers significantly greater security and transparency. We maintain a clear overview of all devices and data flows at all times.
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