There are no concerns about data being lost due to power outages or other unexpected issues.
Healthcare data is vulnerable to threat actors, who might use the data they steal in targeted phishing attacks, pharmaceutical fraud, blackmail, and other nefarious activities. Protecting one’s medical information is of utmost importance. When data travels from the device to
the processing entity in the cloud, it goes through several network and application layers. Whether with WiFi, Bluetooth or cellular, each layer can be targeted to compromise the data. However, cellular connectivity goes directly from the device to the cell tower, skipping personal routers, smartphones, or gateways, which can be hacked. Bluetooth and
Bluetooth connections are also prone to
failures, especially when moving out of range or when they experience interference from other devices. These can result in patients going unmonitored for days. The strength of cellular technology is that it is always on and constantly connected.
Wi-Fi connections data travels through extra hops – on the router or smartphone – which exposes the data to threat actors in the least- secured segment of the data’s journey.
The choice of connectivity technology depends
on various factors, including the product’s requirements, cost considerations, and size requirements. For reusable products, cellular technology often outperforms other options like Bluetooth if additional cost and size needs can meet customer expectations. Cellular technology is ideal for most medical
device use cases due to its reliability, security, and simplicity. Today’s cellular chipsets offer ultra-low power consumption, requiring infrequent charging or battery replacements. Furthermore, they deliver a better user experience, secure data, and rely on public network infrastructure for robust and reliable connectivity. The zero-touch configuration of cellular-enabled devices means they’re ready to use immediately, reducing the risk of user error and ensuring that critical data can be transmitted without delay. Ultimately, technology should reflect the
patient’s needs, the criticality of the condition being monitored, and the available infrastructure. As cellular connectivity continues to improve in both cost and efficiency, it may emerge as the most reliable and practical option for the majority of patients using home medical devices.
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