The types of Networks
A computer network describes a collection of computers and other devices. These computers and devices are interconnected by channels of communication which allow for the sharing of information and resources among the said devices that are interconnected. The classification of networks follows different characteristics such as the medium used for the transportation of data, the protocols of communication used, scale, topology, and the scope of an organization as stated by Akyildiz & Rudin (2013).
The categories of networks, therefore, constitute; a local area network, a Wide Area Network, a Metropolitan Area Network, Wireless Local Area Network, System Area Network, and Storage Area Network. However, the most common categories of network are Wireless Local Area Network, Wide Area Network, and Local Area Network (Akyildiz & Rudin, 2013).
Local area Networks
A Local Area Network constitutes a single computer network that is located at a site that may include an individual office building or structure. This type of network is very useful as it facilitates that sharing of resources for example data storage and printers. Additionally, a Local Area Network represents one of the categories of computer networks that are original and is one of the simplest kinds (Maiwada, 2015). The smallest Local Area Network may employ the use of only two computers while thousands of computers can be accommodated by local area networks that are larger
Wide area networks
A Wide Area Network, on the other hand, occupies an area that is very significant for example a whole country or the entire universe. Multiple networks that are smaller such as Local Area Networks or Metropolitan Area Networks can be contained in a Wide Area Network (Akyildiz & Rudin, 2013). Furthermore, a Wide Area Network connects computers over distances that are physically wide, allowing them to communicate even when far apart; an example of a Wide Area Network is the Internet that allows computers all over the world to be connected (Akyildiz & Rudin, 2013). Additionally, wide area networks are collectively owned because their large size cannot allow control by a single administrator.
Metropolitan area network
A Metropolitan Area Network is that which is noted to be smaller than a WAN but is however deemed to be larger than a LAN. It incorporates elements of both a local area network and a Wide Area Network. This particular kind of network is owned by one person or company and typically covers a town or a city (Akyildiz & Rudin, 2013).
Wireless local area network
A Wireless Local Area Network refers to a Local Area Network that functions by the use of network technology that is wireless for example Wi-Fi. This type of network is increasingly becoming more popular because of the advancement in wireless technology that makes it the preferred choice for most homes and businesses. Such therefore means that physical cables are not relied on by devices for connectivity, making organization of space more efficient (Maiwada, 2015).
On the other hand, a System Area Network connects computers through a connection that is high speed, in a cluster configuration. The meaning is that the computers can work as a system that is single and thereby improve performance and cost effectiveness. A storage area network directly connects computers to servers that store data without dependence on a LAN or even a WAN (Maiwada, 2015).
Network components
According to Dunn & Wilkinson (2013), network components refers to the major parts that must be available for a network to be installed in a home or office setting. Some of the components may however not be needed depending on the type of network to be installed. The components include cable, hub, servers, switch, a network interface card, modem, routers, network operating system, and clients (Dunn & Wilkinson, 2013). A hub is defined as a device that functions in splitting a network connection into other multiple computer devices and s a result, functions like a center for distribution. A switch operates to deliver a message to a destination or port that is right.
A cable is a connector that is a media of transmitting communication signals such as a fiber-optic cable or twisted pair wire (Glaser, Lee, & Wager, 2013). A router is used to connect a local area network with an internet connection. A modem is used to connect a computer to the available internet connection to a telephone line. Clients refer to the computers that have access to the available resources of network or the users of the network (Glaser, Lee, & Wager, 2013). Servers are the computers that are used to contain shared files, programs, and the operating system of the network. A network interface card plays the role of formatting or preparing, sending, receiving, and controlling the flow of information within the given network (Dunn & Wilkinson, 2013).
Connectivity configurations used by healthcare organizations
Health care organizations use standard connectivity settings that include; WAN to WAN, LAN to LAN, workstation to the internet, LAN to WAN, and workstation to local area network (Glaser, Lee, & Wager, 2013). A workstation to Internet configuration refers to the connection of computers in a hospital workstation to the internet. This configuration is set up in ways that are different depending on the number of devices needed to access the internet. The distance between the devices, the required speed of transmission, among other factors are considered in this configuration approach (Glaser, Lee, & Wager, 2013).
Also, health care organizations can configure two local area networks or wide area networks within the organization so that devices can send information to each other. Such connectivity allows for communication among health care givers within different organizational departments. Therefore, medical conferences are made possible without information being filtered to lose meaning.
Devices such as x-ray machines and scanners are also interconnected with printers and computers to enable concurrent discussion of clients’ medical conditions for continuity of care (Glaser, Lee, & Wager, 2013). Additionally, technologies like cellular phones, satellites, and microwave towers can be supported by such configurations in healthcare organizations (Glaser, Lee, & Wager, 2013).
Discussion of concepts
Any given amount of data that is transferable or transmittable within a given amount of time is what defines a bandwidth. For devices that are digital in nature, this amount of data is expressed in bits or bytes per second. On the other hand, this amount of data is expressed as cycles per second or hertz for devices that are not digital in nature (Glaser, Lee, & Wager, 2013). Transmission Control Protocol, as well as the Internet Protocol, constitute networking protocols that are used by the Internet for communication among connected devices. Several protocols are used by TCP/IP which therefore makes it the standard for the transmission of data over several networks.
Wired Ethernet refers to the connection of devices on a network using a connection that is wired. Such connection can make it possible for the connection of multiple devices that include computers, switches, and routers. All connected devices can pass information to each other. A wireless protocol is a concept whereby devices such as computers can access a network without using physical connections such as wires or cables. This protocol allows the users of the network to have access to information via devices that are handheld instantly as explained by (Glaser, Lee, & Wager, 2013).
How networking has had an impact on the healthcare industry
Over the years, the internet has had a profound influence on the healthcare industry concerning the improvement of self-management by patients, patient satisfaction, and the outcomes of health. Health outcomes have improved as a result of health care providers using the internet to learn ways through which to deliver evidence-based care to clients (Ventola, 2014). Also, communication has been made easier and convenient between patients and caregivers thereby enabling self-care and eliminating human traffic that leads to poor patient outcomes. Furthermore, connectivity has made decision-making easier through video conferencing whereby doctors can collaboratively attend to clients from any part of the globe (Oliveira, 2014). Connectivity has also made it possible for health care seekers to be informed about medical options that are available to them through online searches. However, this behavior has led to poor health seeking behaviors whereby the relationship between doctors and clients worsens by the day. Customers tend to self-medicate more as opposed to visiting their physicians.
Connectivity has created several networking platforms that can be employed for the improvement of professional networking and education, the promotion of healthcare organizations, care of patients, education of health care clients, and public health (Ventola, 2014). However, dangers such as the use of wrong health information, damage to the image of the health profession, breaches in the privacy of patients, legal and ethical issues, as well as the violation of caregiver-client relationships have resulted.
References
Akyildiz, I. & Rudin, H. (2013). Computer Networks. The International Journal of Computer and Telecommunications Networking. Retrieved 06/09/2016 from http://www.journals.elsevier.com/computer-networks/
Dunn, S. & Wilkinson, S. (2013). Identifying Critical Components in Infrastructure Networks Using Network Topology. J. Infrastruct. Syst., 19(2), 157-165. Retrived from http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)is.1943-555x.0000120
Glaser, J., Lee, F., & Wager, K. (2013). Health Care Information Systems: A Practical Approach for Health Care Management. John Wiley & Sons.
Maiwada, U. (2015). Data Communication Study Using Local Area Network (LAN). American Journal of Computer Science and Engineering, 2(6), 50-51.
Oliveira, J. (2014). The effect of the internet on the patient-doctor relationship in a hospital in the city of São Paulo. JISTEM, 11(2), 327-344. Retrived from http://dx.doi.org/10.4301/s1807-17752014000200006
Ventola, C. (2014). Social Media and Health Care Professionals: Benefits, Risks, and Best Practices. Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 39(7).
