What network does dental imaging require?

Key facts

Why does imaging need a gigabit network?

Because the files are big and staff are waiting. Dentsply Sirona's site survey says 3D images typically run 250 to 500 MB and can reach 1.3 GB on some units (Dentsply Sirona). Planmeca estimates about 9 MB per 2D image and 50 MB to 1 GB per 3D image (Planmeca). Moving a volume of that size from the reconstruction computer to the server and then to an operatory viewer has to happen while the patient is in the chair.

Vendors agree on the number. Dentsply Sirona requires every network component involved in 3D imaging to run at 1 Gbit/s (Dentsply Sirona). Carestream's CS Imaging 8 guide allows 100 Mb/s for a 2D-only environment but calls for 1 Gb/s when 3D volumes are present (Carestream Dental). Dentrix lists 1 Gbps for its own network requirement (Dentrix). "Every component" means the switch, patch cords, wall jacks and network cards, not just the switch.

Can imaging run over Wi-Fi?

Not for acquisition. Dentsply Sirona states that no wireless networks are supported for its 3D components (Dentsply Sirona). Dentrix says wireless networks are used at your own risk because of potential interference from X-ray machines and other devices, and require professional installation (Dentrix). Plan a wired drop for every imaging workstation, sensor computer and x-ray unit. See network drops per operatory.

Does the CBCT connect to the office network directly?

It depends on the unit, so read the installation guide. Carestream's CS 8100 3D installation guide says the unit must connect to its computer with a point-to-point Ethernet link, not through the LAN (Carestream Dental). That means a dedicated cable from the unit to its acquisition PC, and that PC then joins the office network. Dentsply Sirona's units, by contrast, sit on the network with a reserved static IP alongside the reconstruction computer (RCU) (Dentsply Sirona). Getting this wrong means an extra cable run after the walls are closed.

What IP addresses and ports does imaging need?

Dentsply Sirona recommends setting both the x-ray unit and the RCU to reserved static IP addresses outside the DHCP range (Dentsply Sirona). Its survey lists ports that must be open, including SQL Server on 1433 and Sidexis services on several high-numbered ports. If they are closed, the unit may not work (Dentsply Sirona).

That matters if you segment the network. If imaging sits on its own VLAN, the firewall rules between VLANs must allow these ports between the unit, the RCU, the imaging server and the viewing workstations, and nothing else. See VLAN design.

How much storage does imaging need?

Dentsply Sirona recommends at least 2 TB of storage to start (Dentsply Sirona). Growth depends on how many scans you take. At 500 MB per scan, 1,000 scans is about 500 GB before backups.

The same survey recommends RAID against a simple disk failure, but adds that RAID is not a replacement for a backup, and that backups are solely the responsibility of the practice's IT personnel (Dentsply Sirona). See dental practice data backup and server vs cloud.

What about cloud imaging?

Cloud imaging moves the bottleneck to your internet line. Planmeca's Romexis Image Cloud requirements call for at least 10 Mbps upload and download for 2D images and recommend 100 Mbps or better for 3D (Planmeca). If you plan on cloud storage or sharing, size the internet connection for 3D uploads.

What cabling supports gigabit imaging?

Gigabit Ethernet runs over properly installed Category cabling within the standard length limits. Fluke Networks explains that the permanent link is limited to 90 m and the full channel, including patch cords, to 100 m (Fluke). FloorStack's cabling guide recommends keeping Cat6 runs under 295 ft from the rack (FloorStack). Ask for test reports on every imaging drop at turnover.

How do I check before I buy?

Request the vendor's site survey or pre-installation guide and give it to your IT provider before signing. The free device compatibility checker (coming soon) is planned to check CBCT, pano and practice-software bridges before you buy; see imaging compatibility with Dentrix, Eaglesoft and Open Dental. The free network & IT plan generator (coming soon) is planned to add imaging drops, static IPs and an imaging VLAN to your network plan. FloorStack Studio (live, free plan) places the CBCT, its PC and every drop in a 3D plan. See dental office network design.

How FloorStack helps

FloorStack is a dental build-out platform that plans imaging into the network before drywall. FloorStack Studio (live, free plan) places imaging devices and drops. The network & IT plan generator and device compatibility checker are free tools coming soon. Back to the Dental Office IT Setup hub.

Free tools for this step

• Network & IT plan generator (free tool, coming soon): turn your floor plan into a drops, rack, Wi-Fi and VLAN plan.
• Device compatibility checker (free tool, coming soon): check sensors, CBCT, pano and PMS bridges before you buy.
• FloorStack Studio (live, free plan): a 3D IT plan of your office with every device placed.