Network Utilization and Performance at Kabarak University, Kenya

Abstract

Scalable campus-wide network with high speed connectivity is a basic necessity for institutions of higher learning. However, without good network management policies and optimization techniques, network scalability becomes a difficult undertaking. This study critically examines the current state of bandwidth usage and network utilization at Kabarak University. The study sought to establish holistic approach in addressing bandwidth inadequacies that arises from query optimizations; to identify best practices for efficient network utilization; to quantify quality of service metric and acceptable level of user satisfaction; to determine effectiveness of proxy server load balancing in reducing network latencies; to establish users perceptions and opinions about the current bandwidth optimization policies and finally to implement effective network utilization techniques. From the literature, conceptual framework was developed based on Heron Middleware theoretical framework architecture review. Questionnaires, interviews and observation were primarily used as research instruments to collect data. The study adopted quantitative research methodology. Stratified random sampling method was used to draw samples of 20% from 886 students and 75 staff respectively. To empirically examine this, a survey was conducted on 192 full-time staff and students focusing on the following variables: perceived quality of service, latency management, bandwidth optimization, Query optimization, proxy load balancing, end-to-end network visibility, content filtering and ICT policy. The survey was conducted in Kabarak University. The data collected were analyzed empirically using Statistical Package for Social Scientist. Inferential statistical analysis was done and the results show that various network utilization strategies were implemented in Kabarak University network and comparison is made on the network performance before and after the implementation. From the findings there is clear indication that good end-to-end visibility mitigates network risks proactively therefore, deliver real value of optimized quality of service and acceptable level of user satisfaction hence cost saved. The research findings further shows that latency management mediates the effect network performance by keeping network latencies in check. In addition, ICT policies have serious influence on the network performance. Policies enhance user awareness on the importance of bandwidth utilization among all stakeholders on appropriate use of network resources. Finally, the research finding shows that adherence to recommended bandwidth capacity ratios leverages network utilization and available bandwidth thus, rationalizes IT costs. The study recommends that network and system administrators should focus baselining and trending of network resources to enhance reusable bandwidth; University management must invest on the right tools for enforcing policies to improve network utilization; create user awareness among all stakeholders on appropriate use of network resources by ICT support staff; ICT staff and university management should work in-hand to re-evaluate of the current ICT policy and network infrastructure redesign in mitigating challenges of suboptimal network performance.