Feasibility Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The breakthrough of wireless technology has introduced new possibilities for healthcare. These wireless networks allow connection and control between computers, handheld devices, printers, scanners, and other peripherals without the hassle of cords and cables. They provide crucial mobility that is necessary in the modern hospital. In areas of constant activity, such as the ER, the ICU, and the surgical recovery room, immediate information such as a patients test results would be beneficial to nurses and other healthcare providers. One could login to a secure network to retrieve patient records, view x-rays and lab tests, look up information on the internet, order treatments, and consult with specialists from just about anywhere. However, in hospitals with a hard wired network this information is not readily available throughout the hospital and cables can get in the way. With a growing technology, deciding which type of wireless network to implement can be difficult. Therefore, it is my role to evaluate different wireless networking devices and select the best device for the hospital.

Out of the many choices of wireless networks Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) were the two networks evaluated, chosen because of increasing popularity and availability. Within the classification of Wi-Fi networks three IEEE standards were compared, the 802.11b, the 802.11g, and the 802.11a. Each option was compared on the criteria of speed, security, range, cost, and application. I recommend the use of the IEEE 802.11g standard for wireless connectivity. The 802.11g standard provides backward compatibility, it is compatible with earlier versions such as the popular 802.11b devices, it runs twice as fast as the 802.11b, but is less expensive than the newer, faster 802.11a.

BACKGROUND

With the use of a wireless network patient care can be improved and sped up, errors are cut down, record management improves, lost test results are prevented, and decision-making can also be sped up in emergencies. However,