From Wi-Fi to DAS: The Evolution of Connectivity Solutions for Hospitals and Public Networks

By Sam Bowling | 4Q 2024 | IN-7546

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Freshwave, a neutral host operator, has partnered with the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex (United Kingdom), to deploy a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that enhances wireless network infrastructure. This strategic partnership highlights a growing trend among healthcare institutions, which are increasingly recognizing the importance of reliable connectivity in modern medical care. In complex hospital environments, traditional wireless networks such as Wi-Fi and existing cellular systems often face challenges like signal degradation and coverage gaps due to interference from medical equipment and the thick walls of hospital buildings.

Wi-Fi, while widely used, often falls short for large-scale connectivity needs because it can become overloaded in high-density areas like waiting rooms and patient wards, leading to slower speeds and unreliable connections. Additionally, Wi-Fi networks are more vulnerable to security breaches, posing risks to sensitive patient data. Despite these limitations, Wi-Fi is still utilized in hospitals for non-critical tasks such as guest Internet access, administrative functions, and connecting devices that do not require high bandwidth or ultra-reliable connections. However, for critical operations and ensuring seamless connectivity throughout the facility, hospitals often need to supplement Wi-Fi with more robust solutions like DASs. This approach ensures consistent and reliable coverage, addressing the limitations of Wi-Fi and existing cellular systems. DAS technology addresses these challenges by distributing antennas throughout the hospital, providing consistent and reliable coverage in areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach. In the case of the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Freshwave used CommScope's ONECELL technology, a small cell solution that enables access to all four U.K. operators through a single platform.

For DAS vendors, the increasing demand for public network connectivity in hospitals presents a host of new opportunities. As hospitals modernize their infrastructure to accommodate these technologies, the need for reliable, scalable connectivity solutions becomes even more critical. This growing appetite for robust connectivity in healthcare settings is set to drive innovation among DAS providers, which must keep pace with the specific needs of the sector. The healthcare industry, with its high demand for reliable, low-latency communication, is likely to become a significant market for DAS vendors, offering opportunities for growth and long-term partnerships with healthcare providers. This will benefit the industry by enabling a wide range of applications, such as:

• Streamlined Communication and Real-Time Data Sharing: A DAS facilitates rapid, uninterrupted information exchange among healthcare providers, improving response times, reducing errors, and enabling real-time data sharing for more informed decision-making and better coordination across departments.
• Secure Telemedicine and Improved Patient Care Experiences: A DAS enables real-time consultations and remote patient monitoring, expanding access to care for off-site patients. It also enhances in-hospital experiences by providing faster access to medical information and entertainment services, contributing to more efficient and comfortable patient stays.
• Capacity and Scalability for High-Density Environments: A DAS ensures consistent connectivity in high-traffic areas of hospitals, supporting the growing number of devices used by staff and patients, and maintaining reliable service during peak usage times.
• uRLLC Enabling Mission-Critical Applications: Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (uRLLC) is essential for advanced applications such as Extended Reality (XR) for staff training and patient rehabilitation, and remote robotic surgery, where precise, real-time control of robotic instruments is critical. uRLLC supports fast and dependable communication, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of these technologies in medical settings.

Introducing a DAS into hospitals and other large-scale public networks presents several significant challenges. One major hurdle is the complexity of integrating new technology with existing infrastructure, which often involves navigating a maze of legacy systems and ensuring compatibility. Additionally, maintaining uninterrupted service in critical environments like hospitals is paramount, as any downtime can have serious implications for patient care. Funding can be a significant obstacle to implementing a DAS due to substantial upfront costs. While private hospitals may have the resources to invest directly, public hospitals often face budget constraints. To address these challenges, public-private partnerships, neutral host operators, and government funding can provide valuable solutions. Public-private partnerships can share financial burdens and leverage expertise; neutral host operators can offer shared infrastructure to reduce costs; and government funding programs can provide grants or subsidies to support DAS projects in public institutions.

Despite these obstacles, addressing them effectively can unlock the full potential of DAS technology. Here are some key considerations for maximizing the benefits of a DAS in both healthcare and wider public networks:

• Public Networks as a Key Growth Vertical: DAS vendors should focus on public networks, including healthcare facilities and stadiums, as key growth areas. Reliable and robust connectivity is critical for patient care and hospital operations, and a DAS provides consistent coverage and capacity, addressing the limitations of traditional wireless networks. Stadiums also benefit significantly from DASs, as they require high-capacity connectivity to support large numbers of spectators. Major venues like AT&T Stadium in Texas, Levi's Stadium in California, and the Etihad Stadium in Manchester have successfully implemented DASs to enhance connectivity for fans. As these sectors continue to prioritize enhanced wireless infrastructure, the demand for DASs is expected to grow. Vendors should offer scalable solutions that can be easily expanded or modified to accommodate future growth, ensuring flexibility for healthcare facilities that may expand their services or for public venues that might host larger events or increase their capacity over time.
• Tailored Solutions with DRS and Small Cells: Integrating DASs with Digital Radio Systems (DRSs) and small cells allows for even more customized solutions to meet specific organizational needs. A DRS can enhance communication for critical services, while small cells provide targeted coverage and capacity boosts in high-density areas. This combination is particularly valuable for hospitals and public venues that require robust connectivity in patient rooms and operating theaters, while a stadium might prioritize high-capacity coverage in seating areas and concourses.
• Security and Privacy: Given the sensitivity of data in various sectors, robust security measures are essential. In healthcare, this means protecting patient information and complying with regulations like the Data Protection Act. In other public networks, such as financial institutions or government buildings, ensuring data security and privacy is equally critical for preventing breaches and maintaining trust.
• Integration with Existing Systems: A DAS should seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure, such as Wi-Fi networks and Building Management Systems (BMSs), to minimize disruption and ensure optimal performance. In hospitals, this might involve integrating with medical equipment and patient monitoring systems. In other public networks, it could mean working with security systems, public address systems, and other critical infrastructure.