Health facilities rely on wireless technology to access a range of applications and data on hospital computer networks, according to an article on the Health Facilities Management website.

Wireless communications technology enables building automation system (BAS) technology and mission-essential building systems. These include heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and components that are equipped with direct digital control technology that enables centralized control and the interoperability of HVAC and other building system components.

Today’s most advanced wireless systems run the building automation and control network (BACnet) protocol over the ZigBee Building Automation standards. BACnet allows the BAS to communicate directly with HVAC, lighting, access control, fire detection and other systems. ZigBee offers a global standard for interoperable products enabling the secure and dependable monitoring and control of commercial building systems. It is the only BACnet-approved wireless mesh network standard for commercial buildings, the article said.

Reliability is particularly important in a healthcare setting. Redundant, self-repairing mesh technology keeps wireless communications links open. This is an advantage over hard-wired applications, which can fail when wires are damaged or disconnected.

Read the article.