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Types of Network Infrastructures Explained

Network infrastructures are the mainstay of businesses today. They are used to connect workstations together in a way that allows data to be shared with one another, it allows workstations the ability to access the internet, print documents, download attachments from emails, and so much more. Instead of managing a number of devices spread across different locations, networks can manage the same duties from just a handful of gadgets.

This is a guide on different network infrastructures that are used in business today and how they are used.

(PAN) Personal Area Network

A minimalist approach to building a network is known as a personal area network. They are usually comprised of a wireless modem, a workstation or two, telephones, printers, scanners, tablets, and such. The devices are all centered around one workstation.

(LAN) Local Area Network

The most common type of network that is installed is known as a local area network. It is commonly used in businesses and is one of the most modest types of networks. A LAN joins workstations and other low-voltage devices within a location or group of locations in a close vicinity of one another, allowing them to share information and resources. Often a company will employ an individual (s) or outsource an individual(s) to manage their network services. A router connects the LAN to wide area networks, WAN, that quickly and securely transmit data.

(WLAN) Wireless Local Area Network

Much like a LAN, WLANs use wireless network technology like WiFi. This type of network does not require devices to rely on tangible cables to join together the network. A LAN unlike a WLAN requires the use of physical cables.

(CAN) Campus Area Network

A campus area network is larger than a LAN however smaller than a MAN. A CAN is typical for use at schools, universities and medium sized businesses. Resources can be shared throughout several buildings that are close to one another.

(MAN) Metropolitan Area Network

A MAN incorporates features from both LANs and WANs. A metropolitan area network is effective throughout a geographic location such as a town, city, or sometimes even large university campuses. There is usually one owner, either an individual or company, that maintains the network.

(WAN) Wide Area Network

Wide area networks are more complex than a LAN. WANs are used to connect workstations throughout a larger physical area. Workstations and low voltage devices are connected remotely to one another using a larger network to communicate. This type of network can work across several miles.

The most familiar WAN is the Internet. The internet connects computers throughout the globe. A WAN’s has the ability to reach a great distance. They are most often owned, operated, and maintained by more than one administrator.

Other types of networks include:

(SAN) Storage-Area Network
(SAN) System-Area Network
(POLAN) Passive Optical Local Area Network
(EPN) Enterprise Private Network
(VPN) Virtual Private Network

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more. More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

Common Myths about Cataracts

When it comes to taking care of your eyes as you age you will certainly receive a lot of information both accurate and inaccurate. Wading through the information received can be daunting. Cataracts are often a center of myths and tales associated with seniors and vision care. We have centered this installment around breaking the myths that surround the formation and surgical procedures associated with cataracts.

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness throughout the world, more than glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration collectively. They are more common in seniors than any other demographic. Estimates suggest fifty percent of Americans will have had cataracts by the time they are eighty years old. It is important that seniors have correct information, an understanding of their vision condition, and what options they have for correction.

The Myths and Truths of Cataracts

Myth #1: Cataracts Grow on The Eye

Truth: Cataracts have thought to be a growth on the eye however that is not the truth at all. Cataracts are a result of protein fibers that clump together and creating a clouding of the lens of the eye. The cloud causes light to be scattered or even blocked completely as it passes through the lens. This does not allow the retina to receive a clear image. Cataracts are caused by:

Overexposure to Ultraviolet Light
Eye Injury
Result of Diabetes

Myth #2: The Only Symptom of Cataracts Is Blurred Vision

Truth: Although blurred vision is the most common symptom individuals report when experiencing cataracts, it is not the only one. Other symptoms include:

Extreme Light Sensitivity
Changes in Vision Prescription
Double Vision
Changes in Perception of Colors
Night Vision Difficulty

Myth #3: Cataracts Are Preventable

Truth: Cataracts are not preventable. There are different strategies that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing cataracts or to slow the progression of the disease. These include:

Yearly Eye Exams
Healthy Diet Rich in Fruits and Veggies
Don’t Smoke
Avoid Excessive Alcohol Usage
Wear Sunglasses with UVA & UVB Protection

Myth #4: Cataract Surgery is Dangerous

Truth: Cataract is in fact not dangerous, it is actually one of the safest vision surgeries. With advancements in technology, individuals need minimal sedation and cataract surgery has a success rate of over ninety-five percent. Recovery from cataract surgery includes:

Refrain from Eye Rubbing
No Lifting of Heavy Objects
Avoid Driving

Myth #5: Cataracts Come Back

Truth: Once a cataract is removed from the lens through surgical means, it will not return. A “secondary” cataract may develop. This occurs when the membrane holding the foreign lens implant in place becomes cloudy. This is corrected with a simple, painless procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. An eye surgeon will create a small opening in the membrane to assist in restoring the sharpness in vision.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs. As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses. More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.

A Sampling of Different LINAC Components and What They Do

A drive stand is a large part of a linear accelerator. It is a cabinet in the shape of a rectangle that is attached to the floor within the treatment room. The horizontal axis bearings that the gantry rotates on are positioned within the drive stand.

Components Within the Drive Stand

Klystron or Magnetron
RF Waveguide
Circulator
Cooling Water System

Klystron:

A Klystron is responsible for the microwave power that is used to accelerator the electrons. This process occurs through intensification of present RF (Radio Frequency) electromagnetic waves. The basic description of the operation of a Klystron is that it is a RF amplifier. A Klystron is often chosen for LINAC needing larger amounts of electron energy.

Magnetron:

A magnetron can be used in place of a Klystron. A Magnetron is an electron tube that is responsible for providing the microwave power to accelerator electrons. A Magnetron is often chosen for LINAC needing smaller amounts of electron energy such as 4 MeV to 6 MeV LINAC.

RF Waveguide:

The structure in which the microwave powered RF electromagnetic waves are accelerated from the Klystron or Magnetron.

Circulator:

The circulator connects the Klystron or Magnetron to the RF Waveguide.

Cooling Water System:

A cooling system is in place to prevent overheating. It creates a stable temperature environment within the Drive Stand and Gantry.

A gantry rotates three hundred and sixty degrees around a single point. It works by directing the radiation beam from the LINAC to the tumor without moving the patient.

Components Within the Gantry

Electron Gun
Accelerator Structure
Treatment Head

Treatment Head:

The treatment head of a linear accelerator encompass the components that shape and monitor the radiation beam. These components include bending magnet, collimator, ion chambers, tray slots, wedges, blocks, and compensators.

Modulator Cabinet:

The modulator cabinet is the loudest components of a linear accelerator. This component is located within the radiation treatment room. The modulator cabinet includes a fan control, auxiliary power distribution system, and a primary power distribution system. The fan control is used to cool off the power distribution systems. The power distribution systems include the emergency off button to shut down the power to the LINAC.

Bending Magnet:

A bending magnet is a component of a LINAC that changes the direction of the beam down towards the patient. It bends the beam towards the target and produces different paths for the beam for different energy needs.

As an independent LINAC service company, Acceletronics is dedicated to delivering the best equipment performance and services for linear accelerators and CT scanners across all major brands and models, as well as new and refurbished LINAC systems for sale. More information can be found online at https://www.acceletronics.com/.

Hard Water Myths Dybunked

There are many myths surrounding hard water. Although hard water is often not detrimental to your health it can be a considerable nuisance. Below we will look further into the most common hard water myths and debunk them.

Myth #1: Hard water is responsible for clogging ALL types of plumbing materials

Truth: Hard water contains minerals including calcium and magnesium both of which are known to stick to the interior of galvanized steel pipes which leads to build-up and in turn clogs pipes. Galvanized steel plumbing is commonly found in homes that were built between 1940 into the late 1970’s.

Homes built after the late 1970’s or homes that have had their plumbing replaced most often use pipes that are made from copper. Copper plumbing does not allow for calcium or magnesium build up to form. Thus, not ALL types of plumbing materials are responsible for hard water clogs.

Myth #2: Hard water minerals are contaminants

Truth: Hard water does contain a number of minerals however, minerals are not contaminants, minerals are nutrients. Drinking water that is rich in essential minerals like calcium and magnesium is healthy for individuals. Mineral rich drinking water helps protect the health of individuals and can lead to lower risks of heart disease and stroke.

Myth #3: Water softeners produced filtered water

Truth: Water softeners do not in fact filter water at all. Softeners use a process of ion exchange which is used to exchange minerals in the water for sodium. Water softener units take “tainted” tap water and create water that can be used for drinking, cooking, showering, laundry, dish washing, and more. The water processed through a water softener is NOT filtered and can often have a salty taste depending on a number of different variants. To remove the saltiness from water that has gone through a water softener a point of use filter can be installed to faucets. Most individuals are not bothered by the taste of drinking water that comes from a softening unit however a filtration system does remove the sodium in water if a homeowner is bothered by the taste.

Myth #4: Hard water works well for bathing, cleaning, and laundry

Truth: Hard water often leaves behind a residue that contains minerals which are not the best for bathing, cleaning, or laundry. Water that goes through a water softener is known as soft water. Soft water is ideal for bathing, hard water is known to create dry hair and skin because of mineral deposits that it leaves. In laundry and household cleaning hard water is known to leave stains and create a filmy residue that is not found in water that has gone through the rejuvenation process that takes place within water softening units.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your homes unique water quality needs including: arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more. More information on our water treatment solutions including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron & odor removal can be found online at https://reynoldswater.com.

Gutter Installation: Should Homeowners Hire a Professional or DIY

There are plenty of homeowners who feel like hiring a professional contractor for jobs they deem “simple” is a waste of money. We see it time and time again, do-it-yourselfers that get in over their heads and end up in a situation that costs them more than if they would have hired a professional from the start. This is a common situation we run into, especially when it comes to roofing and gutter installation. Believe it or not, installing gutters or replacing your roof is not as easy as it appears on television or in YouTube videos. Below are the most common issues that arise when DIYs tackle gutter installation.

Incorrect Pitch:

If the pitch of your gutter is off even slightly it can create an issue. Although gutters look even from a distance, they are in fact slightly pitched from one end to the other. Striking a balance is key. A gutter with too little of a pitch allows the gutter to fill up until it overflows, while a sharp pitch is not pleasing to look at. For every forty feet of gutter that is installed the gutter should slope between one to two inches.

Incorrect Pitch:

Forward Tilt:

Even though your gutter must be installed on a slight downward angle to allow for drainage, it must be completely level from front to back. If it is not level it will spill over the edge. Professional gutter installation takes time. A level must be used to accurately level gutters and properly install the fasteners that will hold the gutter in the proper position.

Improper Positioning:

Gutters do not just hang on the edge of your homes roof. Instead a gutter must be installed a couple of inches below the roof line. If a gutter is installed too high cause water to runoff down the back side which can cause staining on the exterior siding of the home.

Unsuitable Hanger Spacing:

Try as you may to properly slope gutters, improper positioning of gutter hangers can cause the gutter to sag. Gutter hangers need to be properly positioned no more than three feet of space between one another.

Seams:

Gutter seams are the source at which the most damage can occur. Sometimes the sections of a gutter will separate at the seam completely. It is important to keep the number of seams to a minimum when installing gutters in fact, seamless gutters are made to help prevent this issue.

Gutter Damage During Installation:

When hanging gutters, it is important to be cautious to prevent damage to the gutters (and to yourself). Bent or dented gutters should not be installed.

There are quiet a few issues that can arise when installing your homes new gutters. Before you jump into DIY gutter installation, contact a professional to get a free quote. This will allow you to visually see the cost difference between professional gutter installation that come with a warranty vs the time and cost of materials involved in doing it on your own.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services. More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.

Choosing A Fence For Your Backyard Swimming Pool

Pool safety has become more of a hot topic in recent years. Children are naturally drawn to the water which can be a problem when unsupervised outdoors. On average over two hundred young children each year drown because of backyard swimming pool accidents. With the prevalence of swimming pools within the last ten to fifteen years an emphasis on regulating and implementing safety requirements is being seen across the United States. Pool safety regulations, including the installation of fencing, have saved a number of families from experience loss through accidental drowning.

There are three options pool owners have when it comes to installing permanent safety fence for swimming pools including: aluminum fence panels, vinyl, and wood. Below we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of all three types of permanent swimming pool fencing.

Decorative Aluminum Fence Panels – BOCA Approved

The most popular material in permanent pool fencing is aluminum in part because it is durable, low maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing. Aluminum fence panels are coated with a powder coating which offers extreme durability, little to no maintenance, is environmentally friendly, and comes in a number of color and ornamental options that compliment all landscapes.

Wrought iron, although similar in look, is not used around swimming pools as it is more expensive and difficult to maintain, especially from rusting. Residential aluminum fence panels traditionally come in six-foot sections although can be customized into shorter or longer panels if needed. In order to be BOCA approved the aluminum fence that is installed around your swimming pool must be at least forty-eight inches in height, horizontal railings must be at least forty-five inches from the bottom rail to prevent climbing.

Decorative aluminum fencing is perfect for pool fencing when homeowners are looking for an option is pool safety fencing that is low maintenance. It is also a great option for those that wish to see within the pool area from outside of the pool. This works well for families with small children as a parent can visually see children playing outside of the pool in the backyard while supervising children in the pool. The most popular option is black aluminum fencing however is offered in 8 colors and a number of decorative styles to choose from.

Advantages of Aluminum Fencing Include:

Durability
Minimal Maintenance
Unobtrusive
Custom Heights and Widths
Multiple Colors, Styles, & Decorative Options
Open Pickets, Visible from Backyard, Outside of the Pool

Disadvantage of Aluminum Fence Include:

Open Pickets, Not Private

Vinyl

Vinyl is another option that can be used for pool safety fencing. There are two options including solid privacy fencing and picket fencing. Some vinyl panels include lattice or spindles at the top for a decorative accent.

Advantages of Vinyl Include:

Solid Vinyl Is Private
Solid and Picket Styles
Custom Heights

Disadvantages of Vinyl Include:

Only White
Not Mildew Resistance
Pickets and Rails are Bulky
Vinyl Sags Over Time

Wood

Wood is a popular option in fencing. Wood has been an available option in fencing for decades. Wood requires a great deal of maintenance when used as pool fencing. It is a low-cost material that is highly customizable that is a viable option as a permanent pool fence when homeowners are willing to do the work to maintain it.

Advantages of Wood Include:

Customizable in Size and Style
Inexpensive
Able to Be Painted/Stained in any Color

Disadvantages of Wood Include:

High Maintenance
Warps and Twists
Not Resistant to Mold or Mildew

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial installation. As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered. More information can be found online at https://ifenceusa.com/.

SEO Trends That Will Increase Website Visibility in the Coming Year

One of the most noticeable trends changing the way we optimize websites for search engine recognition is the use of Voice Search. It is predicted that by the year 2020 more than thirty percent of all website sessions will be done without the use of a screen. How is that possible, you ask? Voice-only search offers the user the opportunity to “look” at the information contained on the web without scrolling through sites on a PC or mobile device. Voice technology will be a key element in the success of online companies in the future.

What Exactly Is Voice Search Technology?

The most well-known source using voice technology is Amazon Alexa.

Instead of typing keywords into a search query, users speak into a device. The gadget then returns audio search results based on the spoken query. The precision in which audio technology recognizes what a user is saying is unbelievable. Although many of us are just being introduced to voice search technology it is not new. Speech to text programs and voice dialing have been in use for years.

How Are Digital Marketing Efforts Being Affected by Voice Recognition?

The use of voice search will radically increase the search experience. Search engines, like Google, Bing, and Yahoo will begin to place a higher importance on voice search optimization. As we know the point of SEO is to rank websites so that when users enter a search query, either by text or voice search, the most relevant content is pulled up first. It is important that digital marketing experts account for both voice search optimization and traditional optimization in their websites. Being that the two are very different it is crucial to understand that some factors that affect traditional rankings may or may not have a similar effect on voice searches. Below are some tips to help balance the two very different search engine optimization strategies.

Tips for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search users are most often searching for a purpose, to complete a certain action. Most voice searchers want a song to play, a product to be purchased, or specific information to be gathered. No matter your intention, Google uses a similar algorithm to rank sites which include the following:

Website Loading Speed

Google voice search, like traditional searches, favors websites that load quickly. It is important that your site is responsive and functions properly on mobile devices. All images used on the site need to be optimized, files must all be compressed, and other tasks that speed up traditional websites.

Write Content How You Speak

When a user searches for content on a PC or mobile device, they often use short phrases or long-tailed keywords, think of the phrases you use in bullet points. If you want to find a roofer, many users will type in the keyword phrase “roofing contractors near me”. However, in a voice search the user may ask “Who is the best roofing contractor to install my roof’. For your content to be optimized correctly for both traditional SEO and voice search, it is crucial to include naturally sounding, long-tailed keywords in combination with short, snappy keywords. Make the content easy to comprehend, content should be written at a 9th grade reading level or below for maximum comprehension.

Aim for your website content to range between 1850 and 2500 with a combination of short and long form content.

Use Blocks of Content

Featured snippets are a summary of the website pages content. A snippet will appear after paid advertising and before organic listings. Content should be optimized and identifiable as a snippet. It must summarize the entire pages information, be placed above the fold, and include fewer than 29 words. Content that optimizes with header tags, lists, and bullet points are more easily read by search engines. Featured snippets should include long-tailed keyword phrases.

Focus on Local Searches

Location based content accounts for over twenty-two percent of voice search queries. Websites that consider local content and phrases including a “near me”, “close to me”, “within a couple of miles”, and so on.

Warning Signs Of Cataracts

Cataracts are a clouding in the lens of an eye that causes the impairment of an individual’s vision. This eye disease affects over twenty-five million Americans that are 40 and over. Once individuals have reached 75, over half of them will be diagnosed with cataracts.

As adults age the eye’s lens starts to yellow and harden which creates blurry vision, dull perception of colors, and night time driving becomes difficult. Cataracts do not get better and in fact get worse overtime. In fact, cataracts have several stages as they progress. It is important to treat the symptoms of cataracts in order to slow or stop cataracts from getting worse. In order to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan it is crucial to visit an ophthalmologist. Planning treatment for cataracts slows down the need for cataract surgery.

Early Warning Signs of Cataracts

Cataracts range in severity and the treatment will depend on the development and type of cataract you have. Early signs of cataracts include:

Cloudy Vision:

Fuzzy spots are the most obvious early sign of cataracts. If individuals start to experience small, fuzzy spots in your field of vision that seem to worsen over time, you may be developing one of the first sign of cataracts. These signs will start to make normal, daily activities harder than ever before. If you notice the quick onset of cloudy vision it is important to get into the eye doctor sooner rather than later.

Difficult Night Vision:

Individuals with the early stages of cataracts also mention a gradual decrease in vision at night. Changes to vision may include darkening or dimming and may also lead to tinges of brown and yellow. During the day changes may not be as noticeable because there is light to balance vision that is dimming however, at night it is instantly noticeable.

Light Sensitivity:

Individuals with emergent cataracts experience discomfort with bright lights. This becomes more and more difficult to manage as cataracts worsen. If you notice you are squinting or closing your eyes more around bright light or noticing headaches that come on quickly from flashes and bright lights, it is time to schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist.

Halos and Glares:

As cataracts worsen, the lens of the eye hardens and becomes cloudier. Some cataract suffers mention the appearance of a glare or halo in their field of vision. The light that passes through the cataract is diffracted which causes a glare and ringlets around bright sources of light. During the day the halos and glares are less noticeable then that are in the evening.

Vision Changes:

During the earliest stages of cataracts, individuals may notice changes in vision. Regular eye exams are crucial for older adults. In fact, ophthalmologists often detect cataracts before individuals notice a difference in vision.

Cataract damage is not reversible however, there are some things you can do to slow down their progression. It is important to talk with your eye doctor first to determine if cataract surgery is needed before cataracts worsen. Some ways to increase the health of your eye include eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, wearing sunglasses, determine if your prescription medicine worsen the effects of cataracts, and treat dry eyes with daily eye drops.

Removing Iron and Manganese from Well Water

How many homeowners can honestly say they would be okay drinking water from their taps that comes out brown? ZERO, that’s how many! Brown water occurs because of contamination in their water from Iron and Manganese, common elements found in well water. Thankfully there are water treatment options available to remove these contaminants. Both Iron and Manganese are found in soil thus washing into the well water drinking supply. The good thing is that you don’t have to live with contaminants in your water.

Contaminants in your homes water supply certainly can be a nuisance. Iron and Manganese cause several issues including metallic tasting water, stained laundry, clogged plumbing, and an oily or crust sheen on the surface of the water. This is one of the reasons high levels of the contaminants are treated using whole house water treatment systems.

In 1974 the federal government set in place visual standards for water because of the effects of Iron and Manganese. Although state health-based standards are not in place for metals in drinking water, there are some concerns that high levels of manganese are bad for formula-fed infants. Infant formulas naturally contain manganese, so the National Health Department recommends mixing formula with water with a low manganese level.

Iron and Manganese Testing

It is easy to recognize elevated levels or iron and manganese in water including a bitter, metallic taste and orangish-brown staining on bathroom fixtures, clothes, and more. It is however important to test the water before treating it in order to determine the amount of minerals and metals that are in the water. Two types of metals are commonly found in a homes water supply including reduced and oxidized. Water that has a reduction in iron and manganese often looks clear, initially however will form solid orangish brown solid particles. Water with oxidized iron and manganese will have visible particles upon being drawn from the well.

Water Treatment Options

Once your well water is tested and you are told what type and amounts of iron and manganese are in the water, water treatment specialists like the ones at Reynolds Water Conditioning can help you determine the best treatment option for your home. It is important to note that some filtration such as oxidation filtration which injects oxygen into the water to remove impurities only removes iron. The water will need an additional chemical treatment to remove manganese.

Water softeners are often installed to treat hard water. They can also remove small amount of iron and manganese. Water softening units use an ion exchange process which replaces iron and manganese with sodium. The metals are removed from the softeners filtering resin through a process of backwashing.

Another treatment option to remove iron and manganese from water is through a point of use reverse osmosis systems. This treats water at the tap which is usually where drinking and cooking water is drawn from. The filter uses different membranes to remove unwanted molecules in water to be filtered from the water. Although this is a fairly simple method of getting water without metal it does not treat water throughout the house. Thus, staining will still occur in bathrooms and in laundry and water in other parts of the house will have the metallic taste.

The Ins and Outs Of Radiation Therapy Using a Linear Accelerator

A linear accelerator is a large scaled piece of medical equipment that is used to treat cancerous tumors. It does this through a process of high energy x-rays that conform to the shape of a tumor and emits a radiation beam that destroys cancer cells while trying to spare the surrounding healthy tissue. Linear accelerators have a number of features that are built in which works to ensure the patients safety. These measures prevent dosages higher than what the patient has been prescribed to be given.

When you are schedule to receive radiation therapy using a linear accelerator, your oncologist will deliver the treatment that was planned between them, the dosimetrist and your physicist. The oncologist will double-check your treatment plan each and every time before they begin treatment. This ensures quality control and ensures that your treatment is delivered exactly as it should be.

Linear accelerators delivers external radiation therapy for patients with cancer. The LINAC is used to delivery treatment on a variety of areas throughout the body. High energy x-rays are delivered directly to the tumor using a radiation beam that is delivered from the linear accelerator. The treatment is designed to shrink and destroy the cancerous tumor without harming the healthy tissue that surrounds the tumor. LINAC is used to treat cancerous areas throughout the body using all of the conventional radiation techniques including: IMRT, IGRT, VMAR, SRS, and SBRT.

Linear accelerators work using technology similar to a radar. In the “wave guide” a part of the accelerator, electrons collide with a metal target to produce high-energy x-rays. The high-energy x-rays exit the machine in the shape of a patient’s tumor. These beams are shaped by a multileaf collimator that is within the head of the linear accelerator.

Patients are put onto a moveable treatment couch that is positioned properly and are asked to lie still. It is important to note that the treatment couch can move up, down, right, left, in, and out. The radiation beam comes out of the gantry, part of the accelerator, that can be rotated around the patient. These two systems, working together, can deliver radiation in a variety of angles.

Linear accelerators are operated by a radiation therapist. There are a team of experts who work together to create a treatment plan. A radiation oncologist, a medical physicist, and a dosimetrist work in conjunction of one another to come up with a treatment plan. The radiation oncologists prescribes the correct treatment volume and dose. A medical physicist and dosimetrist determine how your prescribed dose is delivered and calculated.

Patient safety is insured in a number of ways. Before treatment is given the plan is developed and approved in collaboration with your team. This plan is continually reviewed for quality assurance. Safety measurements are built directly into the accelerator that does not allow a higher dose of radiation to be delivered to patients. Before a patient is treated the radiation, therapist will perform unilateral checks across the LINAC. More thorough linear accelerator checks are done monthly and annually. Specialized companies are available for hire that maintain, service, and repair linear accelerators. It is important to have access to LINAC service providers and LINAC parts for repair. The less downtime a facility incurs the higher the quality of patient care they can provide.

Patients are supervised throughout treatment using monitors and microphones that in the room. This allows the patient and radiation therapist to communicate. The position of the radiation beam are continually checked to ensure the positioning has not moved from the original treatment plan.

The safety of the staff and patient are crucial when using linear accelerators in treating cancerous tumors. The LINAC is installed in a room all by itself. The walls of the room are made from lead and concrete to eliminate the high energy x-rays from escaping and exposing people outside of the room. Radiation therapists do not tun on the LINAC until they are safely outside of the treatment area. Linear accelerators will only emit radiation when the machine is in use.

Radparts is the world’s largest independent distributor of OEM replacement parts for Linear Accelerators and Radiation Oncology equipment. Radparts provides high quality, user friendly, low cost parts support for linear accelerators and radiation equipment. More information can be found at https://www.radparts.com/.