Part of Networks and connectivity standards
Network switching standards
Standards you should meet on network switch performance, management, security and resilience.
2.1 NHS organisations should use network switches that provide fast, reliable and secure connections to all users both wired and wireless
Importance of meeting the standard
NHS sites depend on stable, high‑performing switching infrastructure to support clinical, operational and administrative services. As the number of connected devices continues to increase, including clinical systems, wireless access points, Internet of Things (IoT) and medical equipment, switches must provide:
- reliable connectivity to maintain access to critical digital services
- appropriate performance for real‑time applications such as EPRs, voice, monitoring and imaging
- secure data handling to protect clinical information and limit cyber‑security risk
A well‑designed and maintained switching environment underpins safe care delivery across all NHS settings.
When to meet the standard
- upgrading underperforming or unsupported switching equipment
- installing new network infrastructure
- carrying out a major digital refresh, wireless upgrades or building works
- a requirement is identified following standard business continuity or risk reviews
How to meet the standard
- provides sufficient performance and headroom to support current and future device and application needs
- supports multi‑gigabit connectivity for devices or infrastructure that require higher throughput (for example, servers, wireless access points, medical imaging systems)
- uses switching hardware and software that is supported, secure and able to receive updates
- aligns with your wider network design, segmentation approach and clinical service requirements
- configuration management
- visibility of performance and faults
- alerts to support proactive response to issues
Suppliers should ensure the switching solution fits your environment, whether a small GP surgery or a large hospital site, and is scalable to future needs.
Technical requirements to meet the standard
- use supported models capable of receiving security and firmware updates
- provide appropriate uplinks between switches and distribution and server rooms, with resilience aligned to operational needs
- support secure network configurations including segmentation, access control and quality of service (QoS)
- provide Power over Ethernet (PoE) where required for phones, access points, CCTV, IoT or clinical devices
- include warranties and support arrangements with access to updates, enhancements and security fixes
Your internal cabling and fixed connectivity may affect switching performance and must be considered when assessing compliance.
Aligns to the following DSPT principles:
| Principles | How it supports |
|---|---|
| Resilient networks and systems |
Consistent baseline builds, QoS and segmentation keep switching infrastructure securely configured. Supported software and controlled change ensure switches remain secure and up to date. Resilient uplinks between layers minimise the impact of localised failures. |
2.2 NHS organisations should use core network equipment connected to at least one uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to reduce the impact of outages
Importance of meeting the standard
Core network equipment plays a critical role in enabling connectivity across NHS sites. Loss of power to these devices can immediately disrupt access to clinical systems, wireless networks, telephony, building management systems and other critical applications.
Providing power resilience helps:
- maintain continuity of digital services during short‑term outages or power fluctuations
- support safe clinical workflows that depend on always‑available connectivity
- reduce the operational and patient‑safety impact of unexpected disruptions
Reliable network power is essential for organisations of all sizes, from GP surgeries to large acute hospitals.
When to meet the standard
- replacing core networking equipment
- carrying out network resilience or digital upgrade programmes
- carrying outbuilding works, wiring upgrades or estates improvements
How to meet the standard
- identify core and critical networking equipment that must remain operational during power disturbances (switches, routers, firewalls, security appliances)
- ensure appropriate UPS solutions are installed, maintained and tested
- confirm that power resilience arrangements are aligned with business continuity, digital resilience and clinical safety plans
- ensure dual power supplies or redundant connections are used where supported by the networking hardware
Power resilience responsibilities may be shared across IT and estates, and roles should be agreed locally.
Technical requirements to meet the standard
- at least one UPS providing clean, conditioned power and short‑term battery backup
- dual power supplies where the model supports it, allowing 1x clean raw mains and 1x UPS power connections
- redundant uplinks or connections to other core infrastructure
- clearly documented configuration and failover paths
UPS capacity should be appropriate to the scale of the environment, from small units in primary care facilities to larger, integrated resilience solutions within acute hospitals.
Aligns to the following DSPT principles:
| Principle | How it supports |
|---|---|
| Resilient networks and systems |
Ensures a documented, tested power-continuity approach is in place to support essential functions. Removes single power‑point failure and provides path redundancy. |
Last edited: 6 August 2026 1:25 pm