Page 61 - 2021 MHA Start-up Guide

• Some routers will also perform load balancing, which distributes traffic more evenly and eases
the load across your devices .
• Make sure your broadband network is not publicly accessible. Not only is this a security issue,
but it uses up valuable bandwidth .
• Make sure all router security features are enabled where appropriate. Never use a router with
its default, out-of-the-box settings, and always change the password .

Other connectivity considerations:
• If possible, prewire your vehicle with high-quality Ethernet cable (CAT-6/6e cable and connec-
tors) . 3
• Make sure you have adequate electrical power for your equipment in the right locations.
• Ensure the power is filtered or regulated — this equipment can be sensitive to power fluctua-
tions or “brown outs.” A surge suppressor is not enough if you want your equipment to last.
• Don’t forget that network equipment produces heat. The cabinet or other space where the
equipment will be located needs good ventilation to prevent failure. Use ventilation fans with
ball bearings for a reduction in noise .
• Manage your network wiring by connecting it all to an Ethernet network switch in a single
location . This switch will then connect to a broadband router .
• If a wired network is not possible, use one or more wireless access points (WAPs) throughout
your vehicle to connect printers, phones, laptops, smart phones, etc ., back to the router . 4
• Use a 4G/5G broadband router with more than one cellular provider. Unless your area has
exceptional and very reliable cellular coverage by one carrier, you may need to add service
from more than one carrier .
• If you will be sending large images from the vehicle, make sure your router has bonding capa-
bility — the ability to combine separate cellular carrier service into one virtual pipe .
5
• Do not rely on internal antennas for your broadband router. Use appropriate external anten-
nas for each cellular channel . Some of the best antennas are only a couple of inches high, so
height should not be an issue .
• The antennas you use will be specific to the provider’s service as they use different broadcast
frequencies and modulation schemes.
• As you experiment with your wireless connection, remember that where you park your vehi-
cle can also make a big difference. In cities, try not to park in the shadow of older buildings.
Remember, too, that interference can be caused by underground powerlines . Sometimes
moving a vehicle a few feet forwards or backwards can significantly improve connectivity.
• Establish a good working relationship with your broadband equipment vendor/provider. It can
make all the difference.

8 5G, which refers to the speed and capabilities of the service, is being introduced in the United States in 2018 .
9 The routers you use at home to connect to your cable company’s Internet service are also called broadband routers . The type used in mo-
bile clinics is referred to as wireless broadband or 4G/5G broadband routers .
10 Typically, these cables are “unshielded twisted pair” (UTP) . However, the complex electrical environment in mobile clinics can mean signals
through UTP cables experience significant signal slow down and loss. Using shielded cable instead can result in significant network speed
and reliability improvements . Shielded cable, however, is more expensive and thicker than regular UTP cable . This can impact your budget
and design requirements.
11 Where possible, WiFi hot spots should be avoided . WiFi is convenient, but it is slower, less secure, and higher maintenance for a clinic envi-
ronment . Wired networks should be considered the best practice with WiFi and broadband connections used as supporting technologies .
12 The metalized skin of mobile clinics and their internal walls block broadband signals . You will get some signal, but it won’t come close to the
speed you could be getting with external antennas .
MOBILE HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION 59