A network performance view of a biobanking system for diagnostic images

A significant contribution of ICT to healthcare is constituted by systems automating and enhancing the management of research and clinical data. More specifically, PACS (Picture Archiving ad Communication Systems) have improved the efficiency of diagnostic images and clinical data management. Their evolution (image biobanks) are now enabling new collaborations and analysis possibilities similarly to—and beyond—the biobanks (their biologic samples analogous and complement). In this work we describe and evaluate the network performance of a biobanking system for diagnostic images, based on the XNAT open source platform, as implemented and operated by Bio Check Up Srl. The point of view of the user is adopted, in assessing the performance in three setups: local (virtual machines communicating in a single host), LAN (organization-local access), and VPN (remote secure access through the Internet). Both upload and download usage cases are considered, with both a medium-sized and big-sized set of diagnostic images. Several metrics are extracted from traffic traces captured in the experimental campaign, and discussed. Results show that the current setup is well provisioned for satisfying the planned number of concurrent users, and point to further experimental campaigns.