Hospital São José modernizes its hospital infrastructure with an optical LAN network

Executive summary

To meet the project’s requirements, Hospital São José implemented Laserway, Lightera’s Passive Optical LAN (POL) solution. Combining optical cabling, hardware and software into a single platform, Laserway brings together Lightera’s expertise in optical infrastructure with Nokia’s networking technology.

The project delivered a highly available network designed to support future expansion while reducing infrastructure complexity and ensuring reliable connectivity across both clinical and administrative environments.

By deploying an optical LAN architecture, Hospital São José established a modern, scalable infrastructure capable of supporting current and future operational demands. The joint solution from Lightera and Nokia provides the robustness and reliability required for mission-critical healthcare environments.

The challenge

Modern hospitals increasingly rely on mission-critical digital applications, including:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems
• Connected medical devices
• IP telephony
• Security and surveillance systems
• Wi-Fi connectivity for staff and patients
• Building automation systems

As Hospital São José expanded with a new hospital building, it required a network infrastructure capable of delivering high availability and service reliability while simplifying network operation and maintenance. The solution also needed to support future technology expansion and seamlessly integrate clinical and administrative environments into a single network architecture.

Laserway solution

The network was designed to deliver connectivity to end devices through strategically deployed Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), positioned according to the requirements of each environment.

Administrative areas

In office environments, ONTs were discreetly installed beneath workstations, inside cabinets and office furniture, or near end users, minimizing the need for additional infrastructure. This approach helped maintain clean, organized workspaces while simplifying future maintenance activities.

Clinical areas

In patient care areas, ONTs were installed above suspended ceilings or inside optical termination boxes, leaving only Ethernet cabling available at the RJ45 outlets used by healthcare equipment and workstations.

Because the active equipment remains outside patient-contact areas, there is no need for antibacterial faceplates. Centralizing network equipment within technical areas reduces visible hardware while improving organization, standardization and overall safety throughout the hospital.

Benefits

Simplified infrastructure and greater operational efficiency

The optical LAN architecture significantly reduced the number of distributed switches throughout the facility, simplifying network management while improving energy efficiency through lower power consumption and reduced heat generation.

Future-ready infrastructure

The network was designed to support the hospital’s long-term growth and the continuous adoption of new digital healthcare services.

Improved IT operations

With fewer intermediate network devices, the IT team benefits from a simpler infrastructure that is easier to manage, monitor and maintain.

High availability

The solution provides the reliability required for mission-critical healthcare applications, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity for both clinical and administrative systems.

Better use of space

Installing ONTs in technical ceilings and furniture preserved valuable clinical and administrative space without compromising aesthetics or functionality.

About the Lightera + Nokia partnership

• Together, Lightera and Nokia deliver a networking solution designed to support healthcare digital transformation by providing:
• Greater scalability
• Reduced network complexity
• Improved operational efficiency
• High availability for mission-critical applications
• Infrastructure ready for future technology demands

Interested in learning more?

Hospitals and healthcare organizations planning similar modernization projects can rely on the combined expertise of Lightera and Nokia to discuss technical requirements, network architecture and best practices for healthcare environments.