Medical Switch with Power Supply over PoE – Economically Efficient and Secure Network Technology in Medical Facilities

Instead of copper cables with four external network isolators as they are required in conventional network concepts, the Medical Switch offers a compact, fully integrated, robust, and secure solution. A special feature is the power supply via Power-over-Ethernet directly from the data network. In this case, the connection of a 230 VAC power supply is no longer necessary.

The Medical Switch is designed for the application in medically used rooms according to the IEC 60364-7-710 (VDE 0100 Part 710) Standard for the galvanic separation of signal lines according to Chapter 16 of the IEC/EN 60601-1. The switch ensures the security for patients and medical facilities by means of four galvanically separated 10/100/1000 Mbps access ports with integrated network isolators. Two Gigabit uplink ports provide top-level performance and network availability with redundancy, so that the huge data volumes generated by IT-based diagnostic and medical attendance systems are transferred quickly, reliably, and in secure mode.

The Medical Switch fulfils the requirements of patient protection with 2 MOPP (Means of Patient Protection) and and exceeds the strict requirements according to IEC/EN 60601-1 (at least 4 kV minimum ­­electric strength) for medical devices.

By using these switches, the operating units (e.g. hospitals or medical practices) at the same time fulfil the requirements of Chapter 16 of the IEC/EN 60601-1 Standard relating to the required separation of signals in patient environments. In this way, the corresponding national stipulations for the installation, operation, usage, and maintenance of medical products and their combination with other components, such as IT networks, are also complied with.

The protection of sensitive data is ensured by means of port security according to IEEE 802.1X. The switch can be integrated into a Radius solution and is compatible with all conventionally available NAC solutions. The snap-in assembly with an internationally standardised installation measure of 45 mm permits the fast and tool-less assembly in all conventional installation systems, as well as the integrated assembly in ceiling supply units. The surface of the Medical Switch is made up of robust plastic and permits effective cleaning and disinfection. It is available with an antibacterial coating.