Networking is an important aspect in any entity using computers. Proper networking is essential to enable sharing of resources in an organization. This may include internet connection, files and management information systems. In a healthcare facility CPU networking is essential to ensure concurrence and smooth management of patients and doctors. A patient entering the hospital is received at the reception and his general details into the computer systems. Once the patient details are entered the patient is issued with a reference number and advised to proceed to physician room. The physician enter the patients reference number and access his details such as name, address, past history, reason for visiting among others. Further, the physician diagnoses the patient and enters the details in the system after which he is referred to other departments for further treatment.
In order to achieve seamless integration of these functions, an efficient networking strategy is desired. This is possible through establishment of a new network that comprises of 20 workstations. Two workstations will be situated at the customer service desk for patient admission. Two stations will be located at the physician rooms to gather for diagnosis purposes and 8 will be located at examination rooms. The remaining workstations will be located at various locations within the building to gather for finance, supplies and management departments.
In that regard, a local area network is favored for this health facility to ensure smooth and coordinated flow of operations. A LAN is an assembly of computers and network devices connected together in the same floor of a building or the entire building. LAN connection is usually high in speed and relatively cheap than other types of networks. With a budget of 150,000 a LAN connection will be established and sustained for efficient management of patients, doctors, support personnel and administrators. LAN uses an Ethernet or token connection protocol. Examples of LAN connections include those in a hospital, business building or a library.
Current technologies can be utilized to improve efficiency and effectiveness of managing health care institutions. Given the limited budget, a wireless local area network can be adopted. The wireless network will provide the same services as Ethernet cables as well as additional benefits such as enabling patients to connect to the facility network through Wi-Fi. As such, the original objectives will have been achieved plus more connectivity to the patient. A wireless network is essential because it is highly scalable with fewer resources.
The paper will describe the design, hardware that makes up the design, transmission media and protocols for implementing the design of a Wireless connection on the medical facility to better workstation communication and internet connection speeds and optimizing the quality of service.
Wireless network is the latest internet connection technology that utilizes radio signals and air medium for transmission. It provides affordable broadband connectivity and freedom to mobile users. Wireless broadband has the extra advantage of providing high speed internet connectivity without the use of physical cables used in the DSL or digital cable transmission. The workstations will be networked wirelessly to give all users in the facility quick access. Wireless connection is mostly useful for laptop users who can change positions in an office while being connected at the same time. Doctors are embracing technology and are constantly using gadgets such as Smartphones and tablets. A wireless network will provide communication platform for the 20 workstations with additional functionality for mobile users. They are two kinds of wireless connections that can be chosen from. Ad hoc peer-to-peer and infrastructure mode types of networking.
Infrastructure mode is the preferred network in this scenario. This mode is possible with a wireless Access Point or router. The infrastructure mode is used for the connection of multiple wireless network devices in a predetermined range of the area of coverage. The interaction is attained through wireless nodes via an antenna. The wireless access point converts the wired Ethernet data by the use of a bridge situated between the wired LAN and the wireless clients. In order to extend the wireless network coverage, multiple access points are connected via a wired Ethernet backbone. Thus in the office, a user who moves out of the range of one access point will utilize the range of the other. This roaming is seamlessly attained using the Access point domains
In order to set up speedy connection for the facility, the devices required include routers, bridges, and access points. Furthermore, communication protocols are defined. The 802.11n protocol is the preferred choice to provide high speed connectivity and improved security features. Examples of wireless router companies include D-Link, Netgear and Belkin among others. The devices are plugged into the Ethernet cables to act as hub of the wireless network from which radio signals are broadcasted to other workstations and devices through the use of access points. The signal can be extended in range by use of the bridges. NIC provides the interface for wireless connection. Most of the workstations have in-built NICs but external adapters are available from their party vendors. NICs are relatively cheap and have easy installation processes.
Wireless router/Access point
Wireless router performs the functions of authorizing and control of the client devices connection to the wired network. It controls the speed, security features, and devices accessing the network among other functions. Technically, it is the backbone of the Wi-Fi network.
Residential gateways and routers are advanced forms of base stations that promote additional network functionalities. Gateways have the same functions as routers such as access control and application connectivity while routers differ by enabling multiple computer connection on a single broadband connection.
An example of a wireless router is the Minitar Router Point MWNAPR-1 founded on the 802.11n wireless technology. It is a standardized reliable router that supports optimum rates of up to 300Mbps. It has a WAN interface and an in built NAT that allow multiple PCs to share internet connection. Other notable features include advanced MIMO technology and VPN pass through.
NIC card
Network interface card is the device that provides the interface between the computer device and the Wi-Fi network infrastructure. It is an inbuilt device in most computers but also available as an external network device that can be plugged and remains outside the computer. This is the case for desktop computers. The NIC card interfaces the wireless network infrastructure of compatible wireless standard. For instance, a LAN NIC will only implement 802.11b standard. Therefore, it is of note for users to choose a compatible network infrastructure and the standard. There are different form factors that are considered to ensure that the chosen NIC complements with the computer device. This includes the industry-standard architecture, the peripheral component interconnect, PC card, MiniPC-1 and CompactFlash.
The NIC within the user’s computer will connect to the nearest access point thereby providing the interface with systems within the infrastructure as well as other user’s linked with other access points. A the user relocates to a position out of one access point and into the range of another the NIC automatically initiates a connection with the closest AP in order to sustain reliable communication.
It is a device that bridges the wireless connection into wired connection. Client bridge works in the reverse mechanism of the access point. This component takes the wireless signal and reverses it into the wired connection to be used by devices that do not support wireless connection. For example, a printer in the office that does not support wireless connection can be made useful by the use of a client bridge. Printers and Xbox can be connected to the network without the use of CAT5 Ethernet cables through the use of client bridge devices.
Wireless Antennas
Access points require Wi-Fi antennas to increase the communication range of the wireless radio signals. Usually the antennas are optional and can be removed if a broader signal range is not desired. When need arises, aftermarket add-on antennas are mounted to widen the wireless range of wireless adapters.
The coordination of all these devices will ensure that the 20 workstations are connected together in a seamless manner enabling the sharing or internet and file resources. Through the use of hospital management information systems, patient and doctor management can be achieved easily.
References
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