WiMAX in Healthcare

WiMAX in healthcare can be reduced to a discussion of the "3 A's": access, applications and affordability. This simple methodology explains the advantages of WiMAX in healthcare. In order to make universal healthcare coverage affordable, the United States will have to make universal broadband a reality.

Contents

Executive Summary
Access
Why WiMAX?
Objections to WiMAX
WiMAX is not Wi-Fi
WiMAX Components
Relationship of WiMAX Range and Throughput for School Applications
Fixed vs. Mobile WiMAX
Why backhaul is important
Wireless Backhaul Considerations
Comparisons with Fiber
Spectrum Considerations
Access Conclusion
Applications: The Doctor is Always In
Taiwan: WiMAX and EMRs
Sweden: WiMAX-enabled Healthcare on the Islands
Relationship of Connectivity and Productivity
Applications: Generic
T1/DS3 Substitute = converged voice + data
Voice (telephony): the "killer app" for WiMAX
Disaster Recovery
Combating high telecom costs and/or Building Diversity
Applications Specific
Video conferencing and training
Home health care monitoring
Mobile or remote health care vans
Ambulance services
Enabling video compression technologies: the other half of the equation
HD at 1 Mbps?: HD recording and streaming live anywhere, any time
Standards
Cameras
Audio Factors
Echo Cancellation
The Audio Secret Sauce: Compression Algorithms and "wideband"
Applications Video and WiMAX
Video conferencing
Distance learning and training of rural or remote medical professionals
Telemedicine or remote check up via high definition video
The implications for WiMAX-based HD video services
Medical Imaging
Affordability
WiMAX is inexpensive relative to other technologies
Savings on Existing Expenditures
Conclusion
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