A secure, stable production network for Arntz Optibelt The Arntz Optibelt Group comprehensively modernized its network to make its global production sites fit for the requirements of digital manufacturing. The new infrastructure ensures stable process data acquisition and at the same time provides reliable protection against cyberattacks.

Arntz Optibelt is an international company with over 150 years of experience in the development and production of high-performance power transmission belts and systems. With a clear focus on quality and innovation, the company has established itself as a reliable partner in drive technology.

Arntz Optibelt products are used in a range of fields, including the automotive industry, machine building, and agriculture. The company relies on modern technologies at several global production sites to meet the high demands of its customers.

More than ten years ago, Arntz Optibelt was faced with the challenge of acquiring machine data efficiently and making it usable. The factory was to become more digital. However, this was not possible with the existing IT network. The network was unstable and, as a Class C network, was only able to integrate a limited number of devices. In addition, numerous isolated solutions and transitional constructions were used that did not meet the standards of modern production.

Consequently, a stable and reliable production network had to be established. The focus was on a fail-safe data connection to the machines so that production processes could be monitored more efficiently and optimized in a targeted manner.

Together, a comprehensive network concept was developed for the production site in Höxter, Germany. The first step was to develop a stable and efficient network. This included setting up subnetworks and using industry-standard layer 2 and layer 3 switches to create redundant network structures. This means that the network will remain functional even in the event of a partial failure.

After the concept was successfully tested in a pilot area, the network was gradually rolled out to other production sites in other German locations as well as in China, Romania, and Mexico.

As the collaboration continued, the network concept was further developed, with a particular focus on network security. An important component was the introduction of a higher-level firewall that monitors and regulates all communication relationships between the production halls and the IT network. Industrial security routers, which act as firewalls and protect the network from unauthorized access, were used to segment the production network. A central management system makes it easy to manage and monitor the security components. In addition, regular training courses ensure that employees are always kept up to date.

An incident in 2024 highlighted just how crucial network security is: Arntz Optibelt was the target of a massive cyberattack that also paralyzed parts of its IT system. However, thanks to the secure network concept, the attackers were unable to access the production network.

Arntz Optibelt relies on professional network management to manage its growing production network. The network management software can be used to centrally configure and monitor the devices used in the field and generate firewall rule sets based on the communication relationships. The device management software was implemented as a flexible solution on a container-based platform.

The Arntz Optibelt Group has created a future-proof basis for digital production by modernizing its production networks. The highly available and secure network reliably captures machine data and provides effective protection against cyberthreats.

Arntz Optibelt implemented the project in close partnership with Phoenix Contact. The network concept was developed jointly and then rolled out successively to other production sites. Phoenix Contact provided the Arntz Optibelt employees with targeted training and were supported them in the further development of the network. The network was also installed in close coordination. For example, the numerous switch boxes that were installed in the production facilities were supplied ready-made by Phoenix Contact.
The third generation of these switch boxes is now in use and further joint projects are already being planned.