The document compares the traditional N3 network used by the NHS to the new proposed Health and Social Care Network (HSCN). The N3 network was designed over 10 years ago, has limited flexibility and connectivity options, and relies on a single centralized supplier. In contrast, the HSCN will provide a more reliable, efficient and flexible network through regional collaboration. It will integrate health and social care, improve information sharing, and reduce reliance on centralized infrastructure by establishing a competitive marketplace for network services.

1. Next
Generation
Connectivity
Historic
National N3
Network
VS
Connected Healthcare is for Everyone
Agile technological
infrastructure
Secure data
management
& sharing
Flexible network
connectivity
Competitive pricing
& diverse supply
chain
Why Connectivity Matters to the NHS
Designed +10 years ago
58,000 connections
63 points of presence
+12,000 km of fibre
Provides the NHS
internet gateway
Managed centrally and
delivered by a single
supplier on a long-term
contract arrangement
N3SP portal - charges a
premium for extra
bandwidth
GP practices required to
purchase their own
connectivity to minimise
cost of N3
Unsecure network
The Traditional N3
Network
1.3 million employees across the
NHS connected
Next Generation
HSCN
The Health and Social Care
Network (HSCN) will be a
reliable, efficient and flexible
network
Major service transition and
customer migration in 2017
Single network enabling
health and social care
providers to deliver, share
and consume services
from anywhere
Integrates health and social
care through regional
collaboration, improved
information sharing and
flexible work patterns
The HSCN marketplace will
establish network services to
drive competition, consumer
choice, and cost-effective
innovative networks
Reduces duplication for
health and social care
organisations sharing
existing network services
for access to information
Reduces reliance on a
centrally managed
infrastructure and services,
and national, private
networks
01737 224 422 health@updata.net www.updata.net
End-to-End Connectivity
Updata is a pioneering service integrator. We are dedicated to
providing end-to-end network services that address the connectivity
requirements of the NHS, now and in the future.
Download White Paper
Next Generation Connectivity for the NHS
The Future of NHS Connectivity
2016 - 2020
The NHS of the future must be flexible, dynamic and technologically
advanced. It also needs to be personal and committed to better
engagement with patients, carers and citizens. Flexible and agile
network connectivity will be fundamental to achieving this goal and
vital if health and social care are to be fully integrated.