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ImproMed
LLC
®
Wireless and Wired
Networking Specifications
For ImproMed Software Packages
Table of Contents
Introduction �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3
Wired Networks ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������3
Jacks ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
Patch Panel ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
Cable and Cable Ends ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 4
Labeling ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
Testing ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
An Alternative Solution �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
Contact ImproMed® with any questions. www.impromed.com E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (800) 925-7171
3
Introduction
This document contains standards and specifications for wired and wireless computer networks. It has been prepared by ImproMed®, LLC. for customers and their independent contractors, and is intended to be used as a guideline for installing a network.
There are two primary methods of connecting a network: wired (wireline) and wireless. Wired networks use physical cabling to send data across the network. Wireless networks transmit and receive data through the air.
This document is not intended to explain the networking process to beginners. It is designed to be used by those already familiar with the hardware used in networking.
It is the responsibility of the customer to verify that their network conforms to industry standards prior to on-site or over-the-phone ImproMed software setup, configuration, or support. If you, or your independent contractor, have any questions about setting up your network, please call the ImproMed® Customer Service Center at 800-925-7171.
Wired Networks
All network equipment must be rated Category 5e (CAT-5e) or better. Both 100Base-T and 1000Base-T wired technologies have the following standards:
9 IEEE 802.3u for 100Base-T (on copper)
9 802.3ab for 1000Base-T Ethernet (on copper)
ImproMed® does not support old 10Base-T Ethernet because Infinity or Triple Crown, and especially images, require a fast network to load and print in a reasonable amount of time.
Jacks
Modular RJ-45 8-position jacks must be used for all cable terminations and wired to the EIA/TIA 568b standard.
They also must meet or exceed CAT-5 for 100Base-T or CAT-5e for 1000Base-T operation. Screw-down jacks are not acceptable.
Patch Panel
Patch panel(s) must meet or exceed ANSI/EIA/TIA-568-4966 data wiring specifications with RJ-45 style CAT-5e or better jacks.
Back punch-down connections must be of insulation displacement contact type.
4
Wired Networks
Cable and Cable Ends
Specifications:
9 Must conform to CAT-5e or higher. 9 Band strip color-coded.
9 All 4 pairs must be punched down to TIA-568-4966 wiring standard.
9 Each run may not have any intermediate patches or contacts between the patch panel and the jack and/or cable end.
9 No outer insulation may be exposed outside a cable end at any time and must be securely fastened to the cable end by the clip within the cable end.
Labeling
All jacks and patch panel connections must be clearly labeled.
All network information is to be documented on a map and/or electronically. Cables must be labeled on both ends.
Jacks must display the patch panel run number on the face plate.
Patch panels must display the run number on the face and on the punch-down side of the patch panel.
Testing
The wiring/cabling contractor must provide a printout of scans on each run showing near and far-end cross-talk, cable length, pair loop resistance, and correct wire mapping from patch to jack or cable end. Reputable, licensed data-grade cable installers should provide this service at no extra cost. A wiring map that displays your office layout and where the jacks, cables, and patch panels are located should be provided to you after installation and testing is complete. A copy of this map should be provided to ImproMed® at the time of the system installation and/or upgrade.
An Alternative Solution
You may consider using pre-made CAT-5e or better cables. ImproMed® sells pre-made cables in lengths of 5, 10, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 150 feet.
You are still responsible for installing the cables in your office from the switch to each workstation location in a manner that meets all safety requirements. Cables must be located in areas away from sources of electrical interference from lab equipment and lighting such as X-ray machines, centrifuges, florescent and halogen lights.
Contact ImproMed® with any questions. www.impromed.com E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (800) 925-7171
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Wireless Networks
Wireless Networks
Current wireless networks are based on the 802.11n and 802.11n+ standards. ImproMed® only supports equipment that is designed to interoperate on 802.11n. One caveat of 802.11n is that it uses the same 2GHz frequency range that cordless phones use.
Other sources of 2GHz interference include: diagnostic lab equipment, microwave ovens, and some cellular phones. In most cases, significant interference will cause your wireless device to drop off the network.
Just having your 2GHz cordless phone in the same room as your wireless router or end device can cause interruptions to your wireless connectivity.
Another alternative to this is to use 5GHz cordless phones and reorient any devices causing disruptive interference.
Be sure you have enough wireless access points for your number of and location of your users. A typical setup involves one wireless access point (WAP) for every 10 active users. If you put too many users on a WAP, the speed of each connection gets lower.
You can generally go about 100 feet from a wireless access point before performance will be less than 10MBps, unacceptably slow for the software. You can achieve greater than or equal to 54Mbps operation up to about 40 feet.