Issue #37-1.22.08

Dr. Lorne Lavine Dental Technology Consultants Printer Friendly Version

Computer Network in Operatories A Wired, Wired World

I have discussed many times, in previous TDN articles, the need to have computers in the operatories. Besides being mandatory to use high-end digital systems like intraoral cameras and digital radiography, they also allow the office to become more decentralized by permitting many functions to be completed chairside, such as scheduling and insurance submissions. The underlying assumption in these scenarios, of course, is that all of the computers are connected together. The challenge, though, is deciding how to accomplish this.
 

It’s a Wired, Wired World
The typical method of connecting computers together is through use of Ethernet cabling, also known as network cables. The industry-standard cabling is known as Category 5, often referred to as Cat5. The actual cables that have been in use for many years are Cat5e. What’s the difference? Well, CAT 5 cable will support 10/100 Ethernet. That is, Ethernet (10 MB/s) and Fast Ethernet (100 MB/s). CAT 5e cable will support Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet (1000 MB/s). CAT 5e Cable is completely backwards compatible, and can be used in any application in which you would normally use CAT 5 cable.

If you want to ensure that your network is ready for future speeds, then I would suggest investing in Cat 6. However, there are many components to a network and all of them must be rated for the higher speed:

1. Network Interface card, or NIC. Look for a NIC that is rated 10/100/1000. Almost all computers that are now available come with 10/100/1000 NICs as standard equipment.
2. Cat5e or Cat6 cabling.
3. A gigabit switch.

While some people still refer to switches as hubs, this is not technically correct. A hub is a less intelligent device that passes information requests to every computer in the network. A switch, on the other hand, is a “smarter” hub in that requests from a workstation to the server, for example, go directly to the server and back. While the first gigabit switches were very expensive, you can now find 16-port gigabit switches for under $200.

Cutting the Cord
In many offices, wiring computers is either not practical or impossible. Many older buildings do not have drop ceiling or proper conduits run, and doing so would not be cost effective for the office. Also, many dentists want the ability to use a laptop or Tablet PC throughout the office. In these cases, the best solution is to consider a wireless network.

Wireless networking has improved dramatically in the past few years. The devices used to setup a network, either a wireless router or wireless access point, have become very user friendly to the point that even people with no technical expertise can still set up a wireless network. While wireless is certainly an option for any office, there are reasons why I prefer wired over wireless:

1. Speed. The first wireless networks accepted mainstream were Wi-Fi, also called 802.11b. The speed was a maximum of 11 MB/s. Those have been replaced in the past few years with 802.11g, which has a maximum speed of 54 MB/s; real world speed is closer to 20 MB/s. The newest standard, 802.11n, will run closer to 100 MB/s, but there is no official standard yet and there may not be one until 2009.
2. Cost. Once the network cables are in place, the cost to add computers is very low. For wireless networks, each computer will require a wireless adapter. While many notebooks come with wireless adapters built-in, most desktop computers do not and you’ll need to add either a PCI or USB adapter to each system.
3. Security. With a wired network, someone must be physically plugged into the network in order to access it. With wireless, due to their 150 foot range, anyone driving in the neighborhood can access your network. Most wireless systems allow for a high-level of security. You can set up WPA, a type of wireless encryption, employ filtering that only allows computers you designate to connect, and turn off the broadcasting of the wireless network. The problem, though, is that all wireless systems come with security turned off by default, and many people are either too intimated or don’t know how to set up the proper security.

Dentists should consider the pros and cons of the different types of networks, and work with a network specialist if they are not sure, to properly install what will be the backbone of their entire technology system.

Lorne Lavine, DMD is the Founder and President of Dental Technology Consultants.  Dr. Lavine holds two prestigious certifications, the A+ Certified Technician designation and the Network+ Certified Professional.  These designations demonstrate proficiency in computer repair, operating systems, network design and installation.  Dental Technology Consultants provide dentists a full range of services relating to the implementation of technology.

 Dr. Lavine can be reached directly at 1.866.204.3398.