Method and system of updating message filter rules of a network access control unit of an industrial communication network. At least one address-based message filter rule is assigned to the first communication device. The first communication device is replaced with the second communication device, and the second communication device is registered in the address management unit in response to the replacement of the first communication device with the second communication device. Upon determining that a communication device with an identical communication device description is already registered, the address management unit transmits a change message to the network access control unit or to the converter unit. The communication network address of the first communication device is replaced with the communication network address of the second communication device based on the at least one address-based message filter rule.