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Advanced Network Security

Protect PHI with VLAN Segmentation

One network = one breach point. Professional VLAN segmentation isolates patient data, medical devices, staff systems, and guest WiFi into separate secure zones—dramatically reducing your attack surface and HIPAA compliance risk.

PHI Isolation Medical Device Security HIPAA Audit Ready

The Problem with Flat Networks

Why a single network is a security disaster waiting to happen

❌ Flat Network Risks

  • One breach = full access: If a guest device is compromised, attackers can reach your EHR servers
  • Medical devices exposed: Outdated imaging equipment becomes entry points
  • HIPAA violations: PHI accessible from any connected device. This violates HIPAA compliance requirements and puts your practice at risk.
  • Lateral movement: Ransomware spreads instantly across all systems

✅ Segmented Network Benefits

  • Isolated zones: Guest WiFi can't touch EHR or patient data systems
  • Device quarantine: Medical devices locked to specific systems only
  • HIPAA compliant: PHI restricted to authorized segments with audit trails. Part of our comprehensive healthcare cybersecurity approach.
  • Breach containment: Attacks stopped at segment boundaries

Our Recommended VLAN Architecture

4-tier segmentation for maximum security and compliance

VLAN 10: PHI Zone

Highly Restricted

EHR servers, practice management, imaging PACS, and systems storing or processing patient health information.

  • No internet access (air-gapped or proxy-only)
  • Multi-factor authentication required
  • Full activity logging & monitoring

VLAN 20: Staff Workstations

Controlled Access

Staff PCs, laptops, tablets used for patient care, administrative work, and communication.

  • Access to PHI zone (controlled by firewall rules)
  • Internet access with content filtering
  • Endpoint protection required

VLAN 30: Medical Devices

Quarantined Zone

Imaging machines, vital monitors, infusion pumps, diagnostic equipment often running outdated software.

  • No internet access whatsoever
  • Can only communicate with specific PHI systems
  • Locked down by MAC address & port

VLAN 40: Guest WiFi

Public Access

Patient and visitor devices—smartphones, tablets, laptops connecting to waiting room WiFi.

  • Zero access to internal networks
  • Internet only, isolated from practice
  • Bandwidth limits & content filtering

Our Implementation Process

Professional deployment with zero downtime

1

Network Audit & Design

Map your existing infrastructure, identify all devices, document workflows, and design custom VLAN architecture.

2

Equipment Upgrade (if needed)

Replace consumer-grade equipment with enterprise managed switches, routers, and access points that support VLANs.

3

After-Hours Deployment

Configure VLANs, firewall rules, and security policies outside business hours to avoid practice disruption.

4

Testing & Documentation

Verify segmentation, confirm connectivity, test security rules, document configuration, and train your staff.

HIPAA Security Rule Compliance

How VLAN segmentation addresses key requirements

§164.312(a)(1) - Access Control

VLANs enforce technical policies that limit ePHI access to authorized users/systems only.

§164.312(b) - Audit Controls

Network segmentation enables granular logging of who accessed what systems and when.

§164.312(e)(1) - Transmission Security

Segmentation prevents unauthorized PHI transmission between zones and to the internet.

§164.308(a)(4) - Information Access Management

Network-level controls ensure workstations can only access authorized systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about VLAN segmentation

Will VLAN segmentation slow down our network?

No. Properly configured VLANs have zero performance impact. Traffic stays local within switches and routers handle inter-VLAN routing at wire speed.

Do we need to buy new equipment?

It depends. If you have consumer-grade routers/switches (Netgear, Linksys, etc.), yes—they don't support VLANs. Enterprise equipment (Cisco, Ubiquiti, HPE) usually supports VLANs out of the box.

How long does implementation take?

For a typical 5-10 person practice, we can audit, design, and deploy VLANs in 1-2 weeks with most work done after hours to avoid downtime.

Will staff notice any changes?

No. VLANs are transparent to users. Staff will connect to the same WiFi/ethernet and access the same systems—but now with proper security in the background.

Can we add VLANs to an existing office?

Absolutely! We can retrofit VLAN segmentation into any existing practice. It doesn't require rewiring—just configuration changes on network equipment.

What happens during a HIPAA audit?

We provide complete network documentation showing your segmentation architecture, access control policies, and audit logging—demonstrating your technical safeguards are in place.

Secure Your Network with Professional VLAN Segmentation

Get a free network security assessment and custom VLAN design for your medical practice in Edison, Princeton, East Windsor, New Brunswick, Woodbridge, and throughout Central New Jersey.

HIPAA-compliant network design | Serving medical practices in Edison, Princeton, East Windsor, Woodbridge, New Brunswick, and throughout New Jersey

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