Another feature of the hyper-capacity patch panel
is a rapid latch system that allows for rack mounting by
hand, eliminating the need for tools, screws, and additional
hardware as shown
in Figure 21.
56 I ICT TODAY
FIGURE 4: 5G will bring new wireless speed, capacity,
and latency to health care.
FIGURE 3: The smartphone allows patients
to have access to medical data, apps
and tools.
networks. These networks, which include Bluetooth,
ZigBee, WirelessHART, Thread and others, are not installed
like Wi-Fi or traditional structured cabling networks;
rather, they are self-sufficient networks and devices that
are usually embedded into objects. Low-rate wireless personal
area networks are perfect for use where data need
is low, such as where a sensor in a device measures temperature
every 15 minutes and reports this data to the
network. Low-rate wireless personal area networks also
have the benefit of their own power source, which
could be a long-life battery or connection to some
renewable (e.g., solar) power source. The LR-WPAN
connected devices are found throughout healthcare
facilities for functions including patient monitoring
systems, device monitoring and control, and location-
based services. Their low cost, coupled with self-sustainability,
makes them a perfect fit for a variety of healthcare
applications.
Multitudes of apps are in use that deliver health status
updates, identify specific illnesses, and put any conceivable
information at the fingertips of patients and providers
(Figure 3). There are a growing number of groundbreaking
apps that bring live language translations to
a provider's smartphone. Of course, some type of connectivity
is needed to realize these tools, whether it is
cellular or Wi-Fi.
Patient care is also being enhanced by wireless-connected
wearables. These devices can be watches, straps
or other devices on the body that can monitor physical
activity, heart rate, and other biometric functions. Many
of these devices are connected to an accompanying smartphone
via Bluetooth or other low-rate wireless personal
area network (LR-WPAN) technologies or they can be connected
to cellular networks. This device class is quickly
attracting attention from device manufacturers, such
as Fitbit and Apple, as well as medical companies that
are enhancing wearable capabilities to include measuring
motion and movement, blood flow and other biometric
functions. According to a study commissioned
by HIMSS and AT&T, 88 percent of healthcare providers
say they are researching, piloting, planning or already
remotely monitoring patients.
The LR-WPAN is an important class of connectivity
in the healthcare environment. Noted as P802.15.4r by
the IEEE, these networks are optimized for low-rate data
transmission, low power, and organized usually as mesh
4: It is How Medical Professionals Will Use Leading-
Edge Technologies to Drive Patient Outcomes
5G will be the biggest accelerator and force-multiplier
of gains, efficiencies and new applications for healthcare
professionals. 5G is just around the corner and promises
a new world with massive increases in device bandwidth
(throughput or speed) and network latency (Figure 4).