dc.description.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. |
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