Why traditional healthcare networks are reaching their Limits: 4 reasons to choose Optical LAN

August 19, 2026 – It is an almost impossible task to keep up with all the developments in healthcare. Not only are new technologies appearing non-stop, but stricter privacy and security legislation, such as NIS2, is also around the corner this month. Almost impossible, because there are also many healthcare institutions that ARE able to keep up. Their secret? A solid LAN infrastructure to build upon.

Traditional LAN vs. Optical LAN

Compared to traditional LAN, Optical LAN utilizes fiber optics. Fiber optic cables can cover much longer distances than copper cables, significantly reducing the number of required Security Equipment Rooms (SERs). In a hospital setting, SERs typically house 48-port Access Switches, air conditioning units, and fire suppression systems. Using OLAN provides an opportunity to drastically reduce these devices.

🔸 Support for 1 Gb/s, 10 Gb/s, and 25 Gb/s
🔸Investment protection for the next 50 years
🔸Drastically reduce costs and power consumption by almost completely eliminating SERs
🔸NIS2-compliant & Made in Europe

1. Create Room for Innovation

A Wi-Fi 7 Access Point (AP) is only as good as the data connection it is connected to. If you don't have this in order first, there is little point in deploying new APs. Optical LAN from Nokia, Aurelis, supports 1 Gb/s, 10 Gb/s, and 25 Gb/s—and in the near future, 50 Gb/s and 100 Gb/s. More than enough for Wi-Fi 7 and Wi-Fi 8, as well as all the (IoT) devices you want to connect to the network and for running heavy online activities.

When it comes to the latter, think of patient records and cloud database files or active deployment of AI. Both benefit greatly from reliable, high-speed, low-latency connections. OLAN can be connected to CT scanners, Access Control, IPTV, (mobile) phones, red phones, and nurse call systems, among others.

2. A Flexible Network

As mentioned earlier, healthcare facilities are constantly subject to change: MOVE, ADD, and CHANGE (MAC). The network needs to adapt accordingly, but this is highly complex when a network primarily consists of heavy copper cabling. Not with Optical LAN. Thanks to remote powering, it is possible to build smaller networks that are independent of the main network. As a result, you are not dependent on power outlets when changes occur and need only 1 installer to manage both the network and ducting.

3. NIS2-Compliant

Healthcare institutions require the highest level of availability and reliability to deliver holistic patient care. It is no coincidence that the new NIS2 legislation applies to all healthcare organizations across Europe. With Optical LAN, you have everything in-house to be compliant. Furthermore, choosing Nokia's solution means choosing a European solution—not a requirement for NIS2 compliance, but one that is becoming increasingly relevant for European organizations.