Introduction
If you’re planning to use eIVF™ soon, you may want to install a computer network to improve access to your eIVF™ Provider Portal from any PC in your office.
This paper provides information you can use to discuss your networking and hardware/software requirements for eIVF™ with a network specialist. These requirements will help your network specialist design a network that will meet your eIVF™ needs. This paper does not provide comprehensive information to help you set up a network on your own, nor does it consider the network requirements of other software applications or Internet services you may be using. PracticeHwy.com also provides comprehensive network support and can setup your entire network or help you with any questions or problems you may have with your network infrastructure, settings or configuration.
Network Basics
A computer network is either a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). A simple LAN allows all the computers in your office to communicate with each other. A LAN connects to the Internet using a modem and a telephone line for its link to the outside world. A
typical LAN (Local Area Network) has the following components:
§ Two or more workstations
§ Server (not required for eIVF™)
§ Hub
§ Wiring
§ Network printer
A WAN connects computers at multiple locations and usually includes a connection to the Internet. WANs typically use a dedicated continuous connection to other locations so communication between all computers on the WAN is not interrupted or delayed. If you have more than one office location, ask your network consultant if a WAN is appropriate for your practice.
Workstations
Workstations are simply the PCs used by individuals in your office. To connect to the LAN, each workstation requires a network card.
Server
A server is a computer or device on a network that manages network resources. For example, a file server is a computer dedicated to storing files, and any user on the network can store files on the server. A print server is a computer that manages one or more printers, and a network server is a computer that manages network traffic. eIVF™ does not require a local server. Instead, it stores your information on a remote server at PracticeHwy.com
Hub
A network hub is the center of the network. Each workstation connects to a hub port. Data is passed from one workstation through the hub to other workstations on the network. Large networks (more than 12 ports) usually have more than one hub. Each hub manages its own cluster of workstations, and the hubs are connected so they can pass information between them. Hubs allow you to connect or disconnect workstations without affecting communications between the other workstations on your network.
Wiring
All network components, such as workstations, servers, hubs, and printers, must be connected before they can communicate with each other. These connections can be made using network wiring or a wireless setup.
Network printer
Network printers can be set up in a central area or scattered around the network for convenient access, so you won’t need to purchase a printer for each workstation where printing is required. A network printer must either be connected to a workstation on the network, or connected directly using a network device. Some printers are equipped with built-in network cards, while others may require a third-party network device.
Connection to the Internet
Connection to the Internet or to remote computers on a LAN requires an outside connection. Additionally, for security reasons, you may want to install a firewall to prevent unauthorized access to your private network.
Outside connection
Connection to the Internet or to remote computers on a LAN can be made using either a dialup modem or a continuous connection such as xDSL or cable. Just as the size of a water pipe determines the amount of water that can pass through it, the capacity of your communication “pipe” affects the speed of information transmission. For example, xDSL is faster than a 56 Kbps modem dialup connection. The number of
workstations, their level of Internet activity, and the size of files transmitted over this “pipe” will determine how large your “pipe” needs to be. However, a fast link does not guarantee great performance, since you cannot affect the speed of individual Internet sites.
Whether you need a dialup or continuous connection depends on your needs and your budget. For example, an office that takes a lot of walk-ins might want a continuous connection so the receptionist can reserve the patient’s chart on short notice, and the physician can pull the chart right before entering the exam room. A practice with fewer walk-ins can connect to the Internet a few times a day using a dial-up modem.
Firewall
A firewall is used to prevent unauthorized users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet. Firewalls can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of both. All messages entering or leaving your LAN pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet specified security requirements. If you have a continuous connection to the Internet, such as xDSL or cable, a firewall is especially important. If you already have a firewall installed, your network consultant or system administrator may need to reconfigure it to work with eIVF™.
Wired vs. Wireless LANs
Hub Computer Pen computer Laptop
Wired Network
Wireless Network Ethernet Laptop Nurses Printer Hub Receptionist Coordinator/ Counselors Doctors Embryology Data Analysis Andrology Labs PatientsWireless Networks
eIVF™ is well suited to a wireless network. Wireless connections give you the ability to carry your laptop wherever you go in the office without logging out. You can easily use your laptop from any exam room. Without connecting your laptop directly to a phone line, you can have access to the Internet to pull or store charts.
A wireless network uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate between devices connected to the LAN. If your office is larger than 150 feet, additional access points can be placed around the office to extend the network’s range. Like cellular technology, when you pass out of range of one access point, your connection automatically hops to the access point that has the best signal. If, however, you do go completely out of range, you won’t be disconnected. When you get back in range, the wireless network continues with your session. However, wireless networks won’t work in every environment. Connection speed and quality will be drastically affected by the construction and layout of your office. Wireless is similar to cellular technology, so if you have metal studs in your building, they can interfere with the reception. Wireless also works better in open spaces. Have your network consultant analyze your office space to determine if it is suitable for this technology.
Wired Networks
Wired networks require a PC at each access point. For example, if you want access to your eIVF™ Provider Portal from any exam room, you have to install a wired access point in each room, then either connect a PC in each room, or log off your laptop, disconnect from the network, reconnect at the next location, and log in. Because the PC remains in the exam room, you’ll need to be vigilant about preventing unauthorized access by locking the screen when you leave the exam room. However, unlike wireless LANs, wired networks work well in any environment. If you choose to install a PC in each exam room and you have more than one physician in your office, you’ll need to contact eIVF™ Support for special setup instructions.
eIVF™ Network Requirements
Your network consultant may find the following information helpful when designing your network for eIVF™:
§ 1.5 Mbps or greater bandwidth
§ No proxy server required or transparent proxy if proxy is used
§ No local server required
§ Dialup Internet connection should be 56 Kbps. Broadband connection: xDSL or cable modem
§ Firewall highly recommended if xDSL or cable is installed.
eIVF™ Hardware/Software Requirements
eIVF™ has the following hardware/software requirements:
Category Workstation
§ CPU ...Pentium 300 MHz
§ Memory...128 MB
§ Disk Space ...4 GB
§ Connectivity
§ Local network...100 MB Fast Ethernet for Office
§ Remote Access...56 KB modem or DSL
§ Remote Access Serve
§ Internet Connection ...56 KB modem or DSL modem
§ Network Protocol ...TCP/IP
§ Software ...Windows 98 or later and IE 5 or later
Summary
eIVF™ works well in networked offices with Internet connections. Both wireless and wired networks can support eIVF™. However, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Outside connections may be either standard telephone lines and a dialup modem, or broadband technology, such as xDSL, or cable.
Below is a model of the complete integrated eIVF™ networking model.