Bridging the Gap
The NHS is accelerating towards a fully digital future, but one major challenge remains: how to integrate critical, Ethernet-only medical equipment into modern wireless networks without replacing entire fleets of functional legacy devices. In an environment where stability, security, and uptime directly impact patient care, the Silex BR-330AC-LP Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi Bridge emerges as a key enabler.
Legacy Equipment Meets Modern Demands
Across NHS Trusts, essential medical and diagnostic systems often lack built-in wireless capability. These devices ranging from ultrasound units to mobile workstations were never designed for Wi-Fi, yet are increasingly required to interface with digital platforms like EPIC. Conventional workarounds using USB dongles fall short, introducing risks such as unreliable connectivity, cybersecurity gaps, and physical fragility in clinical settings.
Silex BR-330AC-LP: Built for the NHS Reality
The Silex BR-330AC-LP provides secure, low-power, industrial-grade wireless connectivity tailored for healthcare environments. Designed to withstand demanding clinical use, it delivers the performance and resilience hospitals need, without the cost and disruption of hardware replacement.
Key Features for Healthcare Environments:
- Ultra-Low Power Operation: Consumes under 2.5W—ideal for battery-powered diagnostic carts and mobile clinical devices.
- Secure Network Integration: Supports 802.1X authentication and MAC filtering to meet NHS cybersecurity standards.
- Enterprise-Grade Reliability: Maintains strong, stable wireless connections even in dense or interference-prone environments.
- Scalable Deployment: Quick to configure and easy to manage across multiple devices, sites, and Trusts.
Real NHS Impact – Trusted in the Field
Following deployment trials at a NHS Trust in South West England, the Silex bridge has proven its reliability on both franking machines and ultrasound systems. Its consistent performance has led to broader planned rollouts across problem devices.
Unlocking Core Use Cases:
- Digital Imaging Systems: Supports real-time upload of large image files from X-ray and ultrasound devices into PACS and EPR systems.
- Mobile Clinical Workstations: Ensures seamless connectivity for trolleys moving across wards, avoiding dropouts and login failures.
- Legacy Device Security: Replaces insecure dongles with enterprise-compliant wireless integration, extending device life while protecting patient data.
Enabling NHS Digital Strategy
As the NHS implements platforms like EPIC and embraces paperless recordkeeping, connectivity must be seamless, secure, and real-time. The BR-330AC-LP directly supports these goals by enabling:
- Safe IT/OT convergence between hospital networks and diagnostic systems
- Compliance with NHS and NCSC security requirements
- Operational continuity and reduced downtime
- Digital uplift without the need for capital equipment replacement
Retrofitting: A Smarter Path to Digital Maturity
Rather than investing in costly equipment upgrades, NHS Trusts can retrofit existing infrastructure with the BR-330AC-LP. This approach offers:
- Immediate improvement in clinical workflow
- Reduced IT support demand
- Compliance with digital health mandates
- A pragmatic, cost-efficient transition strategy
Broad Compatibility, Simplified Integration
Device-agnostic and host-independent, the Silex bridge requires no firmware changes or drivers. It works across a wide range of medical, administrative, and IoT equipment, streamlining deployment and easing IT burdens.
A Future-Proofed Connectivity Solution for the NHS
The Silex BR-330AC-LP is more than a bridge—it’s a strategic answer to one of the NHS’s most persistent digitalisation challenges. By reliably connecting vital equipment to hospital networks, it enables secure, real-time data flow across the care continuum.
Whether your Trust is rolling out EPIC, digitising imaging, or addressing wireless reliability, the BR-330AC-LP provides a field-proven, NHS-aligned solution.
Let’s Bridge the Gap Together
Explore how the Silex BR-330AC-LP can support your Trust’s digital transformation. Contact Rugged Limited for guidance, trials, and tailored deployment strategies that support your move towards a more connected, secure, and efficient NHS.
