Healthcare providers face increasing pressure to deliver efficient and secure servicesโwhile dealing with vast amounts of patient data across diverse locations and in the cloud. Hospitals, regional clinics, and healthcare systems require secure, reliable, high-speed connectivity to support critical operations, patient care, and administrative tasks. Traditional networking solutions cannot meet the demands of modern healthcare infrastructures, leading to inefficiencies, security vulnerabilities, and limited scalability. However, solutions like software-defined wide area networks (SD-WAN) and secure access service edge (SASE) can transform connectivity and security within healthcare systems.
From where we cameโฆ
Typically, healthcare networks relied on legacy infrastructure characterized by hardware-centric setups, rigid configurations, and decentralized management. This approach posed substantial limitations in terms of flexibility, agility, and security, hindering the seamless exchange of patient information and collaboration among care teams. Furthermore, the proliferation of cloud-based applications, telemedicine platforms, and IoT devices further strained traditional networks, exacerbating performance issues and compliance concerns.
โฆto where we are now and where weโre going:
SD-WAN technology emerged as a transformative force in the networking landscape, offering centralized control, dynamic traffic routing, and optimized application performance over geographically dispersed locations. By decoupling network hardware from its control mechanism and leveraging software-defined policies, SD-WAN empowers healthcare organizations to prioritize critical applications, ensure Quality of Service (QoS), and streamline network management tasks.
SASE combines SD-WAN with advanced cloud-delivered security functionalities (SSE or Security Service Edge) to support the dynamic, cloud-driven needs of modern healthcare organizations. With elements such as Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), SASE provides comprehensive protection against evolving cyber threats while enabling secure access to cloud-based resources and applications. This holistic approach to networking and security aligns with the needs of healthcare systems, where safeguarding sensitive patient data and maintaining regulatory compliance are paramount concerns.
In addition, leading enterprises will adopt Zero Trust Architectures where the networkโs job is defined not in terms of connecting anything to anything, but rather as being an enforcement layer for security policy based on the principle of least privilege access. We will continue to experience a rapid integration of technology in healthcare settings, and implementing a Zero Trust approach will ensure that individuals and IoT devices only have access to what is necessary for their roles.
Top five reasons to implement SD-WAN and SASE for healthcare:
1. Enhanced performance and reliability:
- Optimized connectivity: SD-WAN dynamically routes traffic based on application requirements, ensuring consistent performance, and minimizing latency for critical healthcare applications including Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS).
- High availability: By leveraging multiple transport technologies such as MPLS, broadband, and LTE, SD-WAN enhances network resilience and uptime, reducing the risk of service disruptions that could impact patient care delivery.
2. Improved security posture:
- Unified threat protection: SASE consolidates security functions into a unified platform, providing seamless protection across the entire network infrastructure. This approach simplifies security management and reduces the attack surface, mitigating risks associated with data breaches and ransomware attacks.
- Granular access controls: With SASE, healthcare organizations can implement fine-grained access policies based on user identity, device posture, and contextual factors. ZTNA enables remote healthcare specialists, and authorized third parties, such as the many contractors in this industry, to access internal resources securely, in the cloud or on-premises, replacing legacy VPNs that are no longer adapted to the needs of modern cloud-centric healthcare organizations. Users are protected against web-based threats that can make their way into the network environment with SWG, and sensitive data hosted in SaaS applications is securely monitored to prevent data loss with CASB, and to discover shadow IT.
3. Cost efficiency and scalability:
- Operational savings: SD-WAN and SASE solutions enable centralized management and automation, reducing the overhead associated with manual network configurations and troubleshooting. This operational efficiency translates into cost savings for healthcare providers, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively.
- Scalable architecture: As healthcare systems expand their reach and accommodate growing patient populations, SD-WAN and SASE offer scalable architectures that can adapt to evolving requirements without sacrificing performance or security.
4. Simplified telemedicine and remote work:
- Telemedicine enablement: SD-WAN and SASE support the seamless integration of telemedicine platforms, facilitating virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and telehealth services. This enables healthcare providers to extend their reach beyond traditional care settings and deliver personalized services to patients, no matter their location.
- Remote workforce support: Healthcare organizations can leverage SD-WAN and SASE to enable secure access for remote employees, allowing clinicians, administrative staff, and nonclinical staff to collaborate effectively while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations.
5. Compliance and regulatory alignment:
- Regulatory compliance: By implementing robust security controls and encryption mechanisms, SD-WAN and SASE solutions help healthcare systems achieve compliance with regulations such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as other regulatory requirements, governing patient data protection and privacy.
- Audit trail and reporting: SD-WAN and SASE solutions offer centralized visibility and reporting capabilities, enabling healthcare organizations to monitor network activity, generate compliance reports, and demonstrate adherence to regulatory standards during audits and assessments.
The adoption of SD-WAN and SASE technologies represents a transformative shift in the way healthcare systems approach networking and security. By providing enhanced performance, robust security, scalability, and regulatory compliance, these solutions empower healthcare systems to deliver high-quality care in an increasingly interconnected world. As healthcare organizations continue to embrace digital transformation, SD-WAN and SASE will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery, ensuring seamless connectivity, and a better experience for all.
To learn more about unified SASE for healthcare, check out our latest Solution Overview.
Other resources:
- HPE Aruba Networking unified SASE webpage
- HPE Aruba EdgeConnect SD-WAN
- Introduction to SD-WAN Use Cases for Healthcare (Video)
LillyFleming
Lilly leads healthcare marketing efforts for HPE Aruba Networking. In this role, she is passionate about enabling a modern and personalized healthcare experience for patients, providers, and administrators. She has 6+ years of experience working in the healthcare industry in medical marketing, product management, and global portfolio management roles. Lilly holds a bachelorโs degree from Purdue University.
