Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1219491
56 I ICT TODAY 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 addi- tional hardware as shown in Figure 21. 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 per- sonal area networks are perfect for use where data need is low, such as where a sensor in a device measures tem- perature 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-sustain- ability, makes them a perfect fit for a variety of health- care applications. Multitudes of apps are in use that deliver health status updates, identify specific illnesses, and put any conceiv- able information at the fingertips of patients and provid- ers (Figure 3). There are a growing number of ground- breaking apps that bring live language translations to a provider's smartphone. Of course, some type of con- nectivity is needed to realize these tools, whether it is cellular or Wi-Fi. Patient care is also being enhanced by wireless-con- nected 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 smart- phone via Bluetooth or other low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN) technologies or they can be con- nected 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 measur- ing motion and movement, blood flow and other bio- metric 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).