Healthcare providers are on a mission to improve patient care. In doing so, they continue to investigate technology solutions that can contribute to their efforts. Wireless infrastructure has been evaluated and implemented by a variety of providers and such activity is expected to continue.

According to new analysis from Frost & Sullivan, this drive in the healthcare industry will continue to bolster the already robust sales of wireless infrastructure in the next five years.

In-building solutions such as distributed antenna system (DAS), which are part of the wireless infrastructure market, offer complete spectrum coverage. Such solutions provide end users with a new set of wireless infrastructure options.

This new analysis, U.S. Wireless Infrastructure Markets for Healthcare Providers, reveals that the market continues to grow at high single-digit rates.

Healthcare providers have a variety of options when considering wireless local area network (WLAN) or DAS technologies. They are able to select from overlay networks, unified infrastructures, and complete, robust, single infrastructure solutions. These technologies differentiate themselves on data transfer rate, cost of ownership and on the ability to provide multiple services over the infrastructures.

"The sustained uptake of wireless infrastructure solutions are likely to encourage service providers to continuously seek high bandwidth opportunities so they can offer robust applications and services to end users," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Steve Tobin, in a statement.

Tobin continued: "Wireless infrastructure has undergone rapid evolutions in numerous aspects including security, multiple service offerings, and unified architectures."

The overall market growth is boosted through such improvements that present customers with many options for both new purchase and upgrades. Many choices exist in the market, including options for in-building infrastructure, access point technology, management solutions and protocols.

To implement a robust wireless infrastructure, providers may have to revamp the wired network. This can create enormous financial and implementation pressures that can impact their ability to be competitive.

"Multiple approaches and strategies will be necessary to augment a successful implementation," noted Tobin. "Providers need to utilize a multi-year wireless strategy that takes into consideration evolving standards, service offerings, and potential significance due to changes in the wired network."

While many elements must be considered in adopting a wireless environment in the healthcare industry, the reality is that such an infrastructure is helping to promote the delivery of better patient care. As such implementations continue to be successful, the demand will continue to grow. Service providers must be ready to meet such demand in order to remain competitive in this field.