Wi-Fi vs Cellular for Medical Devices: What's the difference?
With the growing demand for remote healthcare and the increase in medical devices that require an internet connection to function, there's a need for reliable and secure networks. This brings up the question of whether Wi-Fi or Cellular networks are better for medical devices.
In this blog post, we'll provide a comparison of Wi-Fi and Cellular networks for medical devices. We'll look at factors such as coverage, speed, reliability, and security.
Coverage
One of the most significant differences between Wi-Fi and Cellular networks is coverage. Wi-Fi networks are limited to a specific location and require a Wi-Fi router to function. On the other hand, Cellular networks have wider coverage and can work from almost anywhere, provided there's a cellular signal.
For medical devices that need to be used in remote areas, Cellular networks are the better option. However, in a controlled setting such as a hospital where Wi-Fi coverage is available, using Wi-Fi for medical devices is more convenient.
Speed
Speed is also an essential factor to consider when choosing a network for medical devices. Wi-Fi networks offer faster speeds than Cellular networks. Wi-Fi speeds can range from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps, depending on the router's capabilities and internet connection.
Cellular networks, however, have a slower maximum speed. The fastest Cellular network, currently 5G, offers speeds that can reach up to 2 Gbps. This is slower than the average Wi-Fi speed, making Wi-Fi the better option for medical devices that require fast speed.
Reliability
Reliability is critical for medical devices as any network interruption can have severe consequences. Wi-Fi networks can encounter issues such as interference from other devices, disconnection due to long distances, or router failure.
On the other hand, Cellular networks have better reliability due to their broader coverage and redundancy. Cellular networks can switch between multiple cell towers, minimizing the chances of network interruptions.
Security
Security is the most crucial factor for medical devices that require internet connectivity. Wi-Fi networks, especially public ones, are susceptible to hacking and data breaches, putting sensitive patient data at risk.
In comparison, Cellular networks are more secure as they use encryption technology to protect data. This makes Cellular networks the better option for medical devices that handle sensitive information.
References
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Balsley, T., & Patrick, L. (2019, August). Comparison of Wi-Fi and Cellular Networks for Connected Medical Devices.
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De-la-Torre, G., Del-Águila-Obra, A. R., García-Sánchez, A. J., Arboleya, P., López-Bastida, J., & Tarrío-Saavedra, J. (2021). IoT Technologies for the Improvement of Patient Safety in the Hospital Environment. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 21(8), 2699.
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HIMSS. (2016). Guidance on Securing Wireless Infusion Pumps in Healthcare Delivery Organizations.