Expand Network Capacity to Enhance Hospital Experience with FS Advanced Wi-Fi Solutions

As the technology of time develops, the healthcare industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation and is also forced to face new and unforeseen challenges. Today, more than ever, it is necessary to rely on fast, adaptable and effective wireless network services to ensure the future of the industry.

Common challenges include the increasing mobility of medical staff. As medical service facilities continue to expand, doctors and nurses need to conduct on-site inspections and communications in a wider area, which requires strong coverage and high-volume connections. The amount of data from medical devices and patients has surged. With the promotion of medical Internet of Things and remote monitoring, various medical devices and patients themselves are generating a growing amount of data. This requires a high-capacity network to support seamless data sharing. In addition, the security and privacy of medical data are key issues, and encryption, authentication and confidentiality are required to ensure the credibility of the network. For hospitals, although the demand for technology is growing, hospital resources and budgets are often constrained. Therefore, there is a need for a wireless infrastructure that has low cycle costs but is flexible and scalable.

5 Considerations for Expanding Hospital Wi-Fi Wireless Networks

When expanding wireless coverage in a hospital, the most important thing is to select the right wireless access point based on the hospital environment. Several requirements must be considered when selecting access points:

• 1. Environmental Characteristics. Evaluate whether to deploy indoor APs or outdoor APs for the wireless network. Consider the density of terminal devices, such as sparse distributions in patient rooms versus high-density access in conference rooms or multipurpose halls.

• 2. Installation Method. Determine the appropriate installation method for the APs, which can include ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, or wall-plate, based on the hospital's layout and aesthetic preferences.

• 3. Power Supply Options. Clarify the power requirements for the APs, choosing from standard PoE (IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at or IEEE 802.3bt), passive PoE, or direct current power sources, ensuring compatibility with the hospital's existing infrastructure.

• 4. Coverage Area. Define the coverage requirements, which may include single patient rooms, multiple rooms, area-wide coverage, or targeted coverage for specific locations within the hospital.

• 5. Device Density. Consider the expected number of devices connecting to each AP, as this could range from 10 to 50 terminals. This will help ensure that the network can handle the expected load efficiently.

After evaluating the five critical factors mentioned above, you can select the appropriate wireless access point and pair it with a network switch, security gateway, and other necessary network equipment. This preparation will facilitate the expansion of the existing network infrastructure to better meet the specific needs of your hospital environment.

FS Provides Expansion Solutions for Hospital Wi-Fi

To help improve the quality of patient care and increase productivity, FS provides simple, flexible, and scalable healthcare solutions.

The medical-grade wireless network controller AC-224AP acts as the core of the hospital’s network, similar to an enterprise-grade Wi-Fi router. It provides centralized management and control of all access points throughout the facility. This controller ensures secure access and data encryption, implements security isolation, and facilitates seamless three-layer roaming. Additionally, it offers features such as online behavior management, auditing, and information push notifications, enhancing security and operational efficiency within the healthcare environment.

Wireless APs are integral to connecting devices to the medical-grade network. They are strategically deployed in essential coverage areas, particularly within the inpatient departments and various indoor spaces throughout the hospital. Each AP is positioned to maximize wireless coverage, ensuring that both medical staff and patients have reliable access to the network. AP-N515H can be used in small rooms such as wards and medical rooms. AP-N505 can be used in places with more interference such as halls and corridors. AP-N515 is used in high-density environments such as conference rooms. In addition, to ensure the network experience of visitors, AP-T565 can be used and installed in outdoor areas,such as amusement parks, plazas, pedestrian streets, and other dense urban environments. The APs are interconnected through wired connections to ensure stability and performance, providing essential connectivity for medical devices and applications.

PoE switches play a crucial role in the medical wireless network by facilitating data exchange and supplying power to the APs. These switches are typically located in the building’s communication rooms, ensuring efficient deployment and management. By providing power and connectivity through a single cable, S5860-20SQ PoE switches simplify the installation process and reduce the complexity of the network infrastructure. This setup allows for a streamlined and efficient network that supports the demanding requirements of healthcare operations. The FS 3410 series switches have a variety of port options to choose from, including Ethernet and fiber ports to meet different network requirements. If the port requirements are not high, you can use the 24-port S3410-24TS-P, which has redundant power and fan design to ensure the continuous operation of the equipment in critical applications.

Advantages of Upgraded Hospital Wi-Fi Infrastructure

Efficient Network Management with Airware

The unified network management platform, FS Airware, supports 24/7 remote deployment and centralized management, which enhances management efficiency and reduces the operational and maintenance costs associated with hospital networks.

Enhanced User Experience with Stable Wi-Fi Coverage

AC+AP technology ensures seamless roaming, automatically switching clients to the best signal, provides access to key applications, and Wi-Fi 6 changes the customer wireless experience. This avoids interruptions in patient care and supports the adoption of new digital services and medical devices, thereby enhancing the overall experience for patients, clinicians, and guests.

Increased Network Stability with Redundant Design

The use of stackable switches with LACP ensures redundancy and efficient resource utilization, reducing the risk of system-wide failures due to network faults. Additionally, redundant power supplies and hot-swappable designs in switches prevent service interruptions, improving system stability and business continuity.

Seamless Compatibility for Accelerated Deployment

VLAN technology facilitates logical partitioning of the network, enabling the management of new and existing devices separately while ensuring data flow isolation and security. Consistent ACLs across new and old network devices ensure uniform access control policies, preventing unauthorized access and protecting network resources. 802.1X authentication ensures all devices are authenticated before accessing the network, promoting network consistency and security.

Robust Security Protocols for Data Protection

Comprehensive security protocols, including SSH, ACLs, AAA, and WPA3 encryption, enhance network security and provide flexible and controlled access management. Advanced security features like WIDS and RF interference tracking defend against wireless security threats, ensuring stable network connections and increasing customer trust.

Flexible Scalability to Meet Future Needs

High-density port configurations through stackable switches and flexible device connectivity options, including 1G, 2.5G, 5G, 10G, and 25G connections, ensure the network can easily scale to meet future growth and technological advancements. The cloud management platform allows for virtually unlimited device management, accommodating the addition of new devices as needed for centralized management and easy scalability.

Top 5 Applications of Hospital Wi-Fi Wireless Networks

Clinical Communication

In the modern healthcare environment, effective clinical communication is essential for patient safety and quality care. Hospital wireless networks enable medical professionals to communicate in real time, facilitating rapid decision-making and collaboration among teams. Mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones allow doctors and nurses to instantly access patient records, share updates, and coordinate care more effectively. This seamless communication reduces the risk of errors, enhances teamwork, and ultimately leads to better patient outcomes.

Location and Tracking

Location and tracking technology integrated into hospital wireless networks plays an integral role in improving operational efficiency. By tracking patients, staff, and equipment in real time, hospitals can improve safety and streamline workflows. For example, staff can quickly locate critical medical equipment or track the whereabouts of patients within the facility. This capability not only enhances patient care, but also optimizes resource utilization, allowing hospitals to operate more efficiently.

Medical Device Connectivity

The connectivity of medical devices through a hospital’s wireless network is essential to modern healthcare delivery. This integration enables devices to communicate with electronic health records, enabling timely access to patient data and alerts. For example, a vital signs monitor can transmit data directly to healthcare providers, ensuring they are immediately notified of changes in a patient’s condition. This connectivity improves the responsiveness of healthcare teams and supports better patient management.

Inventory Management

Efficient inventory management helps improve efficiency in healthcare settings, and a strong wireless network can facilitate this process. By leveraging wireless technology, hospitals can track supplies and equipment in real time, ensuring essential items are always available. The system reduces waste and prevents shortages, allowing for better allocation of resources. Automated inventory tracking also streamlines operations, allowing staff to focus more on patient care instead of manually checking inventory.

Guest Access

Public Wi-Fi allows patients and their families to easily connect to the internet, keeping them informed and engaged during their hospital visit. This connectivity enables visitors to access important information such as hospital services and updates on their loved ones’ conditions. By ensuring safe and secure visitor access, hospitals can improve overall satisfaction while maintaining necessary security protocols.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of a robust wireless network in hospitals significantly enhances various applications, from clinical communication to inventory management. By facilitating seamless connectivity, hospitals can improve patient care, streamline operations, and enhance the overall experience for both staff and visitors. As healthcare continues to evolve, leveraging wireless technology will remain essential in fostering a more efficient and responsive healthcare environment. Embracing these advancements not only optimizes resources but ultimately leads to better health outcomes for patients.