Chapter 6 - Designing a Wireless Enterprise Network: Hospital Case Study

Abstract

This chapter discusses a case study, which follows the process of planning, designing, and implementing a wireless network in a hospital and associated medical buildings on the hospital campus. The chapter reviews the advantages and cost savings associated with the implementation of this type of wireless networking versus leased lines. Wireless local area network (WLAN) devices in this scenario are to help information services (IS) managers provide additional functionality and services. By installing wireless LAN access points, hospital personnel could access the LAN in the conference rooms and nearby offices. By installing IEEE 802.11b outdoor routers, the hospital was able to save leased line cost and increase bandwidth to 11 Mbps. Redundancy and security issues are also addressed in this case study. For Jones Hospital, requirements were gathered for three projects broken out of the main challenge of providing a wireless solution: wireless access for laptops in satellite buildings, wireless access in the hospital building, and links between buildings. At the conclusion of the project, a follow up meeting was held to gather client's feedback on the project.