< PreviousImplementing and expanding LANs and structured cabling New technologies are helping manage healthcare costs and boost effectiveness and efficiency. As more digital solutions are introduced, bandwidth demands will continue to soar. IoT is an important driver for this, along with innovations such as remote diagnostics and consulting and telemedicine. How to ensure network infrastructure keeps up? More healthcare applications and devices are converging and migrating to IP-based Ethernet networks. These provide an integrated monitoring and control platform supporting data, WAP, VOIP, IPTV, security, video, communications servers, Picture Archiving and Communication Systems, and Hospital / Radiology Information Systems as well as other applications and devices, from ECGs to VPNs. However, these innovations add very little value if the network can’t keep up with demand for (symmetrical) bandwidth, uptime and latency. In addition to increasing data volumes, healthcare facilities everywhere are facing challenges in the areas of limited budgets. That requires smart decisions. Installing and scaling up networks in a medical environment is complex. In most installations, the emphasis is on getting optimal technical performance, flexibility and future-readiness at a reasonable cost. However, in healthcare facilities, patient and process safety and security are paramount. Hospital architecture, security issues and device interference make network design and implementation particularly challenging. Cabling may be exposed to chemicals and high levels of electromagnetic interference, and to temperature variations as it passes between rooms. It also needs to meet stringent Infection Control Regulations (ICR). Installers have to ensure standards of cleanliness are maintained, and avoid introducing dust or bacteria, which can significantly impede their work. by Jan Middeldorf Senior Product Manager Nexans Advanced Networking Solutions LANs and structured cabling www.networkseuropemagazine.com 20Implementing and expanding LANs and structured cabling in healthcare LANs and structured cabling www.networkseuropemagazine.com 21What’s more, in offices or schools, structured cabling and network equipment can be installed or extended at night and on weekends, whereas hospitals are operational 24/7/365. Connectivity is an important part of treatment as well as patients’ experience; so medical professionals, patients and visitors all require access to networks. Hospitals also face specific challenges related to wireless LAN, such as interference with diagnostic and other equipment. Although wireless signals can normally pass through walls and floors, medical facilities feature building layers and spaces dedicated to facilities such as oxygen and backup power. Furthermore, there are security risks to consider, as sensitive patient data is handled and networks are often (partially) open to the public. Convergence and standards One approach to dealing with these challenges is convergence. By bringing facilities together, it becomes possible to reduce service duplication, centralise expertise and resources and improve integration of care. Further benefits of convergence include scalability, efficiency and supply chain and cost management. However, this consolidation places new demands on working methods, hospital design and IT infrastructure. Standards provide performance benchmarks, help ensure uniformity across the infrastructure and are essential to enabling convergence. IEC 80001 and IEC 60601-1, for example, define hospital risk management, particularly with regard to implementation and management of IT Networks, medical devices and systems and the safety and security of medical electrical equipment and systems for diagnosis, treatment or patient monitoring. The ANSI/ TIA-1179-A Healthcare Facility Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard makes it possible to introduce a converged platform that allows multiple IP-based networks using optical fibre, Twisted Pair, and coaxial cabling to share a digital backbone. This standard specifies cabling distances, types, topologies and pathways and focuses on avoiding interruption of medical processes. Further recommendations Cabling systems are mission-critical in healthcare environments and need to support several generations of devices and software, so their lifecycle should be as long as possible. This requires best-in-class products, compliance with current relevant industry standards, use of qualified installers, warranties from installers and manufacturers, and an automated cable management system, incorporating remote diagnostics and repair functionality. Today, it is vital that networks can scale up easily, with regard to footprint as well as number of users. Medical facilities may need to scale up structurally, when a hospital is built out, or merges with another facility, or they may have to add temporary capacity in response to a crisis situation. Of course, ‘new’ infrastructure needs to meet the existing specifications in the area of bandwidth and reliability, latency and ease of use, without overspecifying, overspending, or rendering the network hard to manage. Scaling up a LAN is far more complex than simply adding new devices. Factors to consider relate to compatibility, interoperability, management, security and maintaining bandwidth and latency. When adding a large number of ports, to accommodate more devices, or cover a larger area, delays between server and end user, due to network reserves being stretched, can result in system-wide delays, or even unavailability If a very large number of devices are connected to a WAP without sufficient backbone capacity, bandwidth can become so ‘diluted’ that it becomes unusable. In an environment offering patient care, reliability and redundancy levels can never be high enough. Different device types, standards, protocols and so on shouldn’t be mixed, as even the smallest incompatibility can introduce LANs and structured cabling www.networkseuropemagazine.com 22management, operation and security issues. An ideal solution should offer maximum flexibility for expansion and a long useful life, through multiple technology upgrades. Investment costs and networking needs should be balanced in a ‘pay as you grow model’, to avoid making costly expansions and ending up with under-utilised capacity. Choosing the right solution When building out an installation, it is vital to take the following points into consideration: Do you have existing copper infrastructure in place? Is there ample space for equipment and no need for redundant capacity in the foreseeable future? In that case, it’s perfectly viable to stick with a copper- based solution, and if necessary add more port capacity with port extensions. Is space for floor distribution hardware lacking or do you want more flexibility to adapt the network to ever-changing healthcare service needs? Fibre to the Office (FTTO) is an option to consider when you want to have an expandable, agile network. This combines fibre speed, reliability and long distance coverage with the benefits of standard Ethernet. Do you need to increase cost-effectiveness by reducing, for example, installation, monitoring and maintenance costs, or space requirements? Ample fibre can boost ease and efficiency, increase flexibility in terms of bandwidth and Moves Adds and Changes, lower space and cost requirements and offer possibilities such as storage, transfer and analysis of big data, patient monitoring and HD camera support, off- site medical consulting, and converge entertainment and communications services onto a single system. Will equipment be placed in a space that requires compliance with special requirements for medical devices and systems? Devices and network solutions compliant with relevant standards such as IEC 80001, IEC 60601-1 or ANSI/TIA- 1179-A are available. Will cabling run through areas where it might be exposed to chemicals, gases, interference, extreme temperatures or bacteria? Cabling and devices such as switches specially designed for use in specific medical environments are available. These can be introduced in specific parts of the network and are fully compatible with ‘regular’ devices and standards. In short, a mix of different technologies is often needed to address the different requirements from the operating theatre to the patient services to the requirements of the shop in the foyer. Infrastructure design and technology must accommodate highly specific demands and the complex requirements of converged environments need to be taken into account. n LANs and structured cabling www.networkseuropemagazine.com 23By Alan Hayward Sales and Marketing Manager SEH Technology UK With the UK government announcing its roadmap out of lockdown, businesses need to start thinking about how they will handle the transition to re-open offices. Normal working patterns have fundamentally changed by the pandemic, with employees also expressing a preference to continue working from home in the longer term. Fortunately, digital technologies can ensure that people can continue completing their regular duties from home. That being said, remote working comes with its risks, mainly in the form of cybersecurity threats. Cyber hackers are on the hunt for network vulnerabilities and opportunities to exploit valuable data, which not only puts employees' own privacy at risk, but could result in company security breaches too. Most employees are able to work from their home, where they can secure their Wi-Fi, but others may use unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. This could create opportunities to breach the network, track internet traffic and potentially collect confidential data. It’s also important for businesses to consider the personal devices that their employees are using at home. These will often lack the same level of security tools built into corporate machines, increasing the risk of malware finding its way onto devices, leading to information or data leaks. Coronavirus-themed phishing scams and hacking campaigns are also becoming more popular with cybercriminals, leveraging fear and taking advantage of workplace disruptions. The timeline of which we can expect to transition out of lockdown is still unclear, meaning organisations and employees need to continue pursuing factors that will help them remain safe and productive when working from home. Implementing firewalls and antivirus software To prevent threats entering the network, businesses can consider building firewalls which create a barrier between employees' devices and the internet with closed ports of communication. An employee’s device will usually have a built-in firewall, but it’s vital to ensure that it is enabled when they are working at home. For added protection, there are plenty of other third-party firewalls available too. Businesses can also install antivirus software as the next line of defence, as it detects and removes any known malware from the employee’s computer system. Not only does this software eliminate the virus, but it also prevents any potential threats from infecting the employee’s devices in the future. Updating devices and data back-ups Cybersecurity when working from home during COVID-19 cybersecurity when wfh www.networkseuropemagazine.com 24You would be forgiven for thinking that updates to device software are often time consuming or tiresome, but they are really important when employees are working remotely. These updates will often include patches for security vulnerabilities that have been discovered since the last version of the software was installed. When working from home, employees should also ensure their data is backed up. Data can easily be lost due to human error, hardware failure or cyber attack, but ensuring that their data is backed up either in the cloud or external device will ensure peace of mind and help them stay productive. Managing access to corporate systems Businesses can also use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to allow remote employees to access IT resources securely, including email or file services. VPNs create an encrypted network connection that authenticates the user or devices, and secures data in transit between the employee at home and the organisation's services. In addition to enhancing security, VPNs also allow for better performance and efficiency of the network. If the organisation is already using a VPN, it needs to check that it is fully patched. It may also require additional licenses or bandwidth due to the increased number of employees working from home. Securing removable media USB dongles can easily be misplaced or lost by employees, which is a huge problem when they contain valuable amounts of sensitive data. These dongles may also be openly shared amongst remote workers, making it more difficult to track what they contain, where they've been, and who has used them. Dongle servers are a popular choice as they allow USB devices to become available over a network. This means copy-protected software can be used as normal, but users don't need to connect the license dongles directly to their client, minimising the risk of data breaches and attacks on the organisation’s network. Planning for the ‘new normal’ With some employees stating they would prefer to continue working from home, or are apprehensive to return to the office post-COVID-19, businesses need to take action and manage the cybersecurity risks that are associated from remote working. It's important for organisations to assess the risks that emerge from their employees working from home and remotely accessing the network. The resulting cybersecurity policies should determine the processes that need to be put in place to minimise the risk of attacks or data breaches. In addition to the precautionary security measures, employees should be trained regarding the use of their devices when working remotely. This will include secure storage and management of user credentials or passwords and how to report a cybersecurity incident, as well as building an awareness of the risks and the ways that they can be prevented. n Cybersecurity when working from home during COVID-19 cybersecurity when wfh www.networkseuropemagazine.com 25edge technology www.networkseuropemagazine.com 26When is Edge technology NOT Edge ready? David Craig CEO Iceotope The IT hardware industry’s history is littered with attempts to tweak traditional kit and claim it as a fit-for-purpose new solution for emerging requirements. When private cloud emerged, the market was suddenly awash with so called ‘converged systems.’ Many of which were simply a traditional industry standard server, (such as a blade) a 2u or 4u HDD storage box and a TOR Switch, sitting within a branded wraparound. They were expensive, noisy and ran hot! Is the Edge getting the same big IT treatment? Are some big tech players attempting to repackage a collection of existing technologies and define them as new Edge solutions? There appear to be attempts to do just that. However, pulling together separate processing, storage and networking gear (all of which has been designed for tightly controlled temperature, humidity and clean air environments in data centre technical white space or computer rooms) and saying it is fit for Edge deployment is stretching credibility and testing the credulity of customers. The real issues at the Edge are: Physical security and protection, serviceability, energy efficiency, failure risk, environment, humans and noise. There are without doubt some advances being made in terms of remote monitoring, management and low touch maintenance but simply overlaying this capability onto traditional hardware will not address the harsh operating environments of many Edge deployments. As customers consider their particular Edge needs, new common challenges are emerging. For example, environmental impact considerations around noise pollution, power management and heat must all be addressed. With forecasts predicting over 50% of enterprise IT being generated and processed outside the traditional data centre, sustainability is rising to the top of the Edge agenda. A forecast model built by Tolaga Research predicts “$146 billion in annual spend on edge IT and data center infrastructure by 2028, with a 35 percent CAGR and a $700 billion cumulative CAPEX spend between now and then… The deployed global power footprint of the edge IT and data center facilities is forecast to reach 102 thousand MW by 2028, with 68% of the deployments being on the infrastructure edge and 32% on the device Edge.” Edge computing at scale must not simply be seen as green, just as converged systems caused serious hotspot issues within data centres so the cooling implications of placing so much capacity at the Edge must be addressed. Simply repackaging old technology is not acting responsibility, nor is it taking customers seriously. n Don’t let marketing claims for repacked traditional hardware tip you over the Edge edge technology www.networkseuropemagazine.com 27Mike Elms Managing Director CENTIEL UK Ltd The majority’s perception is that a UPS protects a critical load from power outages. However, it also provides protection against other supply anomalies such as dips, surges, spikes and brown-outs, to provide clean continuous power to that all important critical load. It is a bit like an insurance policy. If at the end of the year there are no problems, then you may think your investment in a UPS has been wasted. However, one small interruption to that critical load (even 20ms!) could cost you thousands of pounds in business interruption, lost revenue, and potentially most damaging of all: customer confidence. There are however, a few common misconceptions around UPS systems that may cause that insurance policy not to pay out when needed. UPSs are sophisticated bits of kit and should be kept in optimal working condition. Firstly they should be installed in a clean, conditioned environment and secondly they should be regularly maintained. UPSs are often thought of as an item of “plant”, i.e. a boiler or calorifier and there is a tendency to dislike having them within the shiny IT environment! Frequently, we find them housed in dusty basements or unsuitable environments that are baking hot in summer and freezing cold in winter. I shall never forget visiting one UPS system in what can only be described as a tin outhouse, the internal heat from direct sunlight meant the temperature was in the 40s. The UPS was fine but the batteries were in a somewhat poorer condition…they were so swollen we had to crowbar them apart! Thankfully this is an exception to the normal. Set and forget The next misconception is that UPSs may be considered as ‘set and forget’ systems, they are not! The UPS and its associated battery system need regular checks and maintenance to ensure they are in optimal condition and, most importantly, will work when you need them. As people will know from my previous articles, battery systems are a particular passion of mine. There are no ifs, buts, or maybes…batteries must be maintained, the integrity of your UPS depends upon them. Identifying the condition of your battery system, load bank testing to confirm autonomy performance, impedance testing to establish a degradation trend and replacing a weak block early can and will save you money and protect your critical load when you need it most. A UPS is a UPS is a UPS Another misconception is that a UPS is a UPS is a UPS…and can be maintained by a multitude of people. Would you employ a plumber to do your electrics? Plumbers are highly skilled in what they do, but they are not electricians. I have a particular fascination with plasterers…what an artisan skill that is! Nevertheless, however skilled these people are you wouldn’t ask them to rewire your house…when you switch on the lights you want them to work! I’ll be the first to admit I’m a qualified electrical engineer but my plastering is abysmal. We all want best value when spending budget, but UPS maintenance does have a cost and maintenance contracts are a typical exercise in getting what you pay for. Preventative maintenance is key to keeping your critical load protected and is an important part of the UPS lifecycle. For this reason, the maintenance scope of works should be agreed upfront between all parties so everyone’s expectations are understood. And then the “correct” price for that scope should be factored into the overall purchasing price of a UPS. A fair price needs to be paid for maintenance, undertaken by qualified engineers experienced with the model of your UPS and provided by a company that holds spares. It has been said: insurance is like needing a parachute. If it isn’t there, chances are you won’t be needing it again! Misconceptions about insurance misconceptions about insurance www.networkseuropemagazine.com 28Specialist consultants When it comes to installation, experience has shown that most UPS systems already in situ are oversized. Right sizing is important to keep total costs of ownership (TCO) low. Oversized systems cost more to purchase, install, run, and ultimately more to maintain. Considering this simple calculation, a UPS needs to support 100 computers each at 1kW power as stated on the back of each unit, that’s 100kW. But does each computer actually draw 1kW… invariably not. This would result in a UPS being around 60% oversized! Therefore, it is necessary to calculate the UPS size in relation to the actual load requirement. Specialist consultants are experts in determining actual load requirements and can make the correct calculations ensuring a right-sized UPS from the outset. We are happy to employ diversity in designing electrical installations so why not use the same principle in IT loads as well? Add a scalable modular UPS into the mix and you can right-size, and futureproof to a pretty accurate degree. Parachute I suppose the point that I am making is that, a bit like insurance, any old policy won’t do. A UPS configuration needs to be tailored correctly to the actual load requirement to minimise costs. Yet, the UPS also needs to be correctly installed and maintained optimally to ensure that the parachute opens when needed, and that the insurance policy pays out when required. n Misconceptions about insurance misconceptions about insurance www.networkseuropemagazine.com 29Next >