1. Healthcare Environments
Scott D. Thompson
President
Oberon, Inc.
Task Group Member TIA-1179
Healthcare Facility Cabling Standard
Senior Member, IEEE
Wireless Systems in
Healthcare Environments
Including ICRA and TIA 1179

2. Oberon’s Mission:
Oberon is the preferred source for wireless LAN access point enclosures, installation and mounting solutions, antennas, and workspace telecom enclosures for cost effective, secure, code compliant, aesthetic enterprise Wi-Fi deployments. Oberon's products are designed by experts with exceptional in-the-field, wireless LAN industry experience.
Oberon has formalized agreements with the following manufacturers for engineered enclosure and mounting solutions for wireless networks:
         

3. We manufacture ceiling and wall mounted Tele-
communications Enclosures (TEs) for wireless LAN
access points and other networking components
Oberon is leading manufacturer of telecommunications enclosures and wireless access point enclosures, mounting solutions antennas, cables, and other accessories.
TIA, IEEE and various healthcare standards and procedures impact how we design our products
Wireless AP enclosure
Workspace Telecom Enclosures

4. Agenda
How are (Wi-Fi, DAS) endpoints (Access points, Remotes) installed?
Infection control requirements (ICR) in Hospitals
Code Compliance: Working in the “plenum” space
TIA-1179 and wireless networks
Reliable performance mandates
Aesthetics
Who to sell to
The agenda today is comprised of the following :
Wireless design specifics for healthcare
Standards that apply for cabling and wireless
TIA-1179 and wireless networks
Infection control requirements (ICR)
Working in the plenum space

5. Healthcare Wi-Fi and DAS
- Hospitals were “early adopters” of wireless networking
In hospitals, wireless networking is mission critical, serving point of care (bedside) applications, mobile workstations on carts (COWS), EHR, mobile asset tracking, RFID, telemetry, voice, etc.
Hospitals have special requirements that are becoming more widely adopted:
Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)
Strict adherence to codes and standards (NEC and TIA)
Physical Security
Preservation of the design for mandated performance
Aesthetics

6. Installing Wireless LAN Access Points (APs) and Cellular in-building wireless (or DAS) remote units (herein referred to as “APs”
Method 1: AP above the ceiling
Method 2: AP attached to ceiling grid
Method 3: AP in a ceiling enclosure or locking mount
Method 4: AP on the wall

7. Preferred installation orientation for best coverage
AP above ceiling
AP on the ceiling grid
AP in enclosure
AP on the wall

8. Method 1: AP above the ceiling- things to avoid
Cracked
ceiling tile
A lot of metal
“Poke thru” antenna

9. Method 1: AP above the ceiling
Use a hanger sturdy enough for AP, use a support wire
Equipment should be UL 2043 “Plenum rated”
Support Wire
Oberon P/N above-ceiling hanger

10. Method 2: AP on the Ceiling Grid
Avoid lifting ceiling tile
Minimize hole in tile
Conceal cable
Lock AP

11. Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA)
In Healthcare, the Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation requires that hospitals establish procedures for mitigating the spread of infectious disease and contaminants- limiting access to the space above suspended ceilings (where dust has accumulated)
Infection control risk assessment (ICRA) could have a serious impact on the times and conditions for cabling installation, moves, adds and changes, particularly in the air-handling “plenum” space, above suspended ceilings, or walls
Breaches in the ceiling system should be avoided
Contractors performing work in violation of ICRA procedures will be precluded from future bidding

12. Infection Control Requirements (ICR)
Lifting or removing ceiling tiles requires the installer to:
Use Negative Air Pressure Enclosure (NAPE), or “tent off” the work area
Use a HEPA air filter OR
Work in the plenum space, which requires ceiling tiles to be lifted or removed, entails building a negative air pressure tent (or tenting-off the area) and providing for HEPA air filtration

13. Method 3: Install AP in a ceiling
enclosure or locking mount to simplify ICRA procedure compliance
Oberon model 1052
With ZDUAL antennas on door

14. Method 3: Install AP in a ceiling
enclosure or locking mount to simplify ICRA procedure compliance
Oberon model 1059
ICRA in Healthcare

15. Antennas on door AP in the Door Method 3: Install AP in a ceiling
enclosure or locking mount to simplify ICRA procedure compliance
Oberon 1052-CCOANT
Oberon 1052-CCOAP
Antennas on door
AP in the Door

16. Code Compliance
Hospitals are strict adherents to building safety codes and telecommunications standards
Many Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) will require strict NEC compliance and UL listing of installed components
Burn ratings of ceiling systems must be retained
Oberon’s enclosures are designed to satisfy National Electric Code (NEC) paragraphs and for installation in the air-handling (plenum) space
All of Oberon’s ceiling enclosure products are UL listed

17. N.E.C COMPLIANCE
Article (C)(3) “Electrical equipment with a metal enclosure, or electrical equipment with a nonmetallic enclosure listed for use within an air-handling space……. shall be permitted to be installed in such other space unless prohibited elsewhere in this Code”.
Article “cables, race-ways and equipment installed behind panels, including suspended ceiling tiles, shall be arranged and secured so as to allow removal of panels and access to the equipment.”
Now with the definition of the air-handling/ plenum space in hand, this section of the code then goes on to state that
“Electrical equipment with a metal enclosure, or electrical equipment with a nonmetallic enclosure listed for use within an air-handling space……. shall be permitted to be installed in such other space unless prohibited elsewhere in this Code”.
AND
Article “cables, race-ways and equipment installed behind panels, including suspended ceiling tiles, shall be arranged and secured so as to allow removal of panels and access to the equipment.”

18. Method 3: Install AP in a ceiling
enclosure or locking mount to ensure code compliance
Oberon model 1028 w ZDUAL Antennas
Code Compliance

19. TIA-1179 Healthcare Facility Telecommunications Cabling Standard
Recognizes that “adding or changing horizontal cabling may cause disruption to occupants and their work once the buildings ceiling and walls are closed”
Adding or changing horizontal cabling could result in a net decrease in care being provide, jeopardizing infection control measures….
Advocates use of enclosed pathways in air-handling spaces to avoid disruption of operations
Advocates planning well ahead in cabling design and capacity
Telecommunications enclosures (TEs) are an option in areas subject to infection control measures
TRs and TEs should incorporate additional security measures to restrict access (Workgroup switches and APs)

20. TIA-1179 Healthcare Facility Telecommunications Cabling Standard
Recognizing that many healthcare installations make use of a number of wireless applications, “It is recommended that the wireless environment be characterized and understood prior to the design, choice, and installation of cabling to ensure satisfactory operation”
Telecommunications Industry Association TIA 569-B – accepts use of telecommunications enclosures in the ceiling space to secure wireless access points and other networking appliances, and advocates protecting infrastructure

21. Method 3: Install AP in a ceiling
enclosure or locking mount for standards compliance and best practice
Oberon
DAS, Wi-Fi AP and Switch in Enclosure

22. Physical Security and Reliable Performance Mandates
Some jurisdictions have enacted ordinances that include provisions for radio coverage of public safety signals within the building as a condition of occupancy
Includes signal level and reliability
Grapevine, TX - Ord. No , Min signal -107 dBm, 95 % of each floor
800 MHz band, Adjacent band filtering, 8 hour battery backup
Suggests requirement to “lock down” the wireless infrastructure
Furthermore, protection of confidential patient information (HIPAA), suggests access points should be physically secured

23. Method 3: Install AP in a ceiling
enclosure or locking mount for physical security and reliable performance mandates
Oberon model 1030 w/ ceiling flange
Improve RF coverage and preserve the site survey

24. Method 3: Install AP in a ceiling
enclosure or locking mount for physical security and reliable performance mandates
Oberon model 1052 with ZDUAL antennas
Physical Protection of AP and Antennas

25. Method 4: Install AP on wall
enclosure or locking mount for physical security and reliable performance mandates
Oberon model 1022 w ZDUAL Antennas
Prevent obstruction or tampering

26. Method 4: Install AP on wall
enclosure or locking mount for physical security and reliable performance mandates
Oberon 1032-C
Oberon
Locking Case
Right Angle Wall Bracket

27. Method 4: Install AP on wall
enclosure or locking mount for physical security and reliable performance mandates
When using NEMA boxes outside:
Avoid direct sun
Avoid Metal
Consider thermal rise. See Oberon application note at
NEMA Enclosures

28. Aesthetics
Unlike most data com infrastructure products, the wireless access point or antenna is highly visible
Many hospitals have aesthetics committees
Architects may specify color and style
Custom styles and colors are available

29. Method 3: Install AP in a ceiling
enclosure or locking mount for aesthetic, professional installation
Oberon model 1053 with Cisco antennas
Aesthetics and Convenience

30. Method 3: Install AP in a ceiling
enclosure or locking mount for aesthetic, professional installation
Oberon model 1064 w Cisco 1140 AP
Architectural style match

31. Simplify Moves, Adds, Changes, and technology upgrades
Terminate cable at the enclosure, test and verify cabling at that point
Un-necessary to lift ceiling tile to service access points
Methods to easily migrate to new vendors and technologies

32. Method 3: Install AP in a ceiling
enclosure or locking mount to simplify moves, adds, changes, and technology upgrades
Oberon model ADPDOOR-AP105
Interchangeable doors permit simple upgrades
to completely different access points

33. Method 3: Install AP in a ceiling
enclosure or locking mount to simplify moves, adds, changes, and technology upgrades
Oberon
Oberon with Cisco AP
Oberon with Aruba Networks AP
Oberon with Ruckus AP
Universal locking ceiling mount

34. Who to sell to
Telecom/datacom infrastructure- cabling and wireless personnel
Plant Services or Facilities Personnel
Infection prevention and control coordinator or Infection Preventionist- in Quality Control or Patient Services Department
Public safety/in-building comm coordinator
Bio-Medical personnel

35. Other verticals where Oberon wireless enclosures may be required:
Healthcare- Many hospitals have Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) procedures. These procedures mitigate access to the space above ceiling tiles to restrict the spread of infectious diseases.
Retail – The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) requirement states that the operator must “Restrict physical access to wireless access points, gateways, and handheld devices”
Government – Directive mandates FIPS compliance wherein FIPS paragraph 4.5 requires “physical security mechanisms” to be applied
Certain Municipalities - Some jurisdictions have enacted ordinances that include provisions for radio coverage of public safety signals within the building as a condition of occupancy
Education- Wireless is mission critical, mass notification systems must be reliable

36. Enclosures in Healthcare?
Why use Oberon AP
Enclosures in Healthcare?
Simplify ICRA procedure compliance when installing and servicing wireless access points
Clear-cut National Electric Code (N.E.C.) compliance
Physical security
Protect the integrity of the RF coverage design
Verify cabling to the enclosure prior to AP install
Simplified Moves, Adds, and Changes (MACs)
Clean, professional, aesthetic installation

37. See the wireless AP mounting solution finder at: