Bluetooth-enabled mesh networks: Optimizing efficiency in healthcare IoT

Over the past several years, the implementation of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and Internet of Things (IoT), have fostered unprecedented innovation and advancements in the healthcare industry.

According to the recent IDC® FutureScape: Worldwide Health Industry 2018 Predictions, by 2020, adoption rates of IoT-enabled asset tracking and inventory management systems in hospitals will have doubled worldwide, improving patient safety, staff satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Weaving IoT technology into products and services offered by hospitals and other healthcare providers has positively impacted both the quality of patient care and the workflow optimization of healthcare facilities. Medical device integration, remote patient monitoring, clinical drug trials, hospital inventory management and device tracking, and even better patient outcomes have resulted from integration of these new technologies.

As IoT devices help improve productivity and streamline processes, effectively connecting the various devices to one another has become increasingly important. And while these devices can be connected via a traditional Wi-Fi-enabled mesh network, some use cases call for a more unique way of device connection: Bluetooth®-enabled mesh networks.

Traditional Wi-Fi networks rely on the TCP-IP protocol, and each device subsequently requires its own IP address to authenticate itself on the network. As a result, they are not always a suitable fit for IoT devices—such as an air quality monitor—that may not have a physical user interface for entering a Wi-Fi passcode. Wi-Fi networks also have a high data throughput, which will not always be necessary for IoT devices. Ultimately, Bluetooth-enabled mesh networks enable simpler connectivity, streamlined mapping of devices, and increased communication between devices.

By contrast, Bluetooth enables a connection to more devices using less energy in a faster, more efficient way, ultimately allowing devices to communicate with one another through a network with a smaller footprint. This can be particularly useful for a hospital’s asset tracking, as devices (such as IV pumps) can be monitored and tracked effectively from this type of mesh network.

The good news for healthcare IT professionals is that managing Bluetooth-enabled mesh networks isn’t entirely different than managing traditional Wi-Fi networks, and some of those skills and practices can be applied to Bluetooth-enabled mesh network management. However, network administrators should still look to follow a few specific best practices to help ensure successful use of Bluetooth-enabled mesh networks.

1.) Prioritize security. As with Wi-Fi, multiple devices sitting on the same network create a whole new world of security issues. To decrease the threat of cyberattacks and vulnerability of a network, hide IDs of Bluetooth networks. This helps prevent unwanted joiners from connecting to the network. Ensuring that messages are authenticated and encrypted also helps foster strong security. Another step toward prioritizing security includes ensuring that the devices connected to the Bluetooth network have the capability to be updated regularly and patched when necessary. While connecting various devices is useful (and necessary), an excess of devices can cause interference and signal interruptions, and create bottlenecks. Connected devices should be carefully monitored, as managing the number of devices on the network can help prevent cutouts and other potential issues from an overcrowded network.

2.) Employ monitoring as a discipline. Establish a monitoring capability or employ a comprehensive monitoring tool to provide visibility into the network. This is crucial to security, as being aware of what should and should not be on the network can help maintain a secure connection.

3.) Understand Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi. Although the networks are similar, implementing Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi enabled mesh networks requires different skills and insights. A new type of device (with different functions) sitting on a network requires an IT admin to understand how the device fits into the security policy and how to best address auditing. Having insight into the inner workings of Bluetooth devices and being able to adjust and adapt accordingly is crucial.

Conclusion
As the world becomes increasingly “connected,” the healthcare industry has continually harnessed emerging technologies to improve the quality of life and care for patients. It’s the job of those managing hospital IT to ensure that the technology is being used to its fullest extent, and in the most efficient way possible. IoT devices are one answer to that call, offering administrators a route towards automating manual operations and monitoring the conditions of remote environments to ensure constant availability. Employing a Bluetooth-enabled mesh network in lieu of a Wi-Fi-enabled mesh network can help hospitals and healthcare facilities better manage and maintain their device tracking, and optimize overall workflow. By extensively understanding the technology and following a few best practices, healthcare IT professionals can help ensure successful implementation of Bluetooth-enabled mesh networks. Controlling and managing the devices that sit on a network, prioritizing security, and employing monitoring as a discipline can all help facilitate successful Bluetooth-enabled mesh network implementation and management.

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