Open AccessWithout IPv6, there is no digital transformation for healthcare
Author(s) -
Rosa M. Delgado
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
technology and health care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.281
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1878-7401
pISSN - 0928-7329
DOI - 10.3233/thc-213571
Subject(s) - ipv6 , ipv4 , the internet , internet protocol , health care , business , protocol (science) , telehealth , internet privacy , telemedicine , telecommunications , computer science , computer security , world wide web , economic growth , medicine , economics , alternative medicine , pathology
BACKGROUND: Originally, digital healthcare was created to support underserved and rural patients gain access to health services. Phones, devices, and computers need IP (Internet Protocol) addresses to connect to the Internet. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to study the close relationship between the Internet and the transformation of healthcare services. METHODS: The current protocol in use is the Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), whose number of Internet addresses has been globally exhausted. The Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) with 47 octillion unique addresses for every person on the planet has become the only option for sustainable growth and innovation. However, most of the worldwide industry is still in IPv4. In the era of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Fifth Generation of Cellular Technology (5G), and Blockchain, there will be a massive need of IP addresses. For 2025, experts predict over 1.5 billion new IPv6 users which will continue to grow exponentially. RESULTS: Nations need to tackle the increasing industry requirements for IPv6 and telehealth adoption to benefit from the full IPv6 connectivity which is the key strategic advantage for the healthcare industry. CONCLUSION: The strategic potential that telehealth brings to the healthcare industry is widely appreciated. However, what are the implications of its expansion around the world? How can we prioritize the poorest and most vulnerable in society without new technologies?