DEVELOPMENT OF AN ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FRAMEWORK
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DEVELOPMENT OF AN ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY FRAMEWORK
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background.
This chapter examines IBBUL’s network structure, the types of devices that are used in the network, and the issues that the network has regarding bandwidth control.
1.1.1 IBBUL Network Structure.
Instant access to email, the Internet, and other IT services has transformed the way people live, work, and study, thanks to wired or wireless connectivity. To this aim, students, staff, and visitors demand simple access to the majority of an institution’s information and services.
While academic institutions are known for a high rate of electronic file sharing and Internet surfing, Ibrahim BadamasiBabangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), a rapidly rising institution, is not immune to this demand. These demands can only be fulfilled efficiently by a strong bandwidth control policy.
IBBUL’s present student and staff population is approximately ten thousand, nine hundred and seventy-five (12,975) (Ibrahim, 2015). In 2006, IBBUL’s network bandwidth was 1Mbps/1Mbps (1Mbps uplink and 1Mbps downlink) for online academic activity.
This was gradually increased to its current scale of 45Mbps uplink and 45Mbps downlink to enable proper resource sharing among its academia (Ibrahim, 2015).
Figure 1.1 depicts the present network structure of IBBUL (Ibrahim, 2014). Figure 1.1 shows that the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Centre houses the data centre, which offers all Internet access and Intranet services to other buildings on campus via an optical fibre backbone network.
This fibre optic backbone is single-mode, capable of 10Gbps, and covers a distance of 10 km. The network uses a star architecture, which connects every network device to a central point.
The IBBUL network infrastructure is made up of the following devices: Juniper Networks (45%), Cisco Systems, Inc (35%), Ubiquitous Networks (15%), and D-Link (5%).
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Figure 1.1: Network Structure of IBBUL (Topology) (ICT Centre, IBBUL).
Figure 1.1 shows that each Department in a Faculty, such as the Faculty of Arts, Management, and Social Science, as well as other facilities such as the Central Laboratory, the Security Office, the Senate Building, the Library, the School Clinic, and the twin theatre, has an Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN).
The LANs in these buildings are connected using multi-layer switches (Juniper EX 2200 series). Other devices are connected to the Virtual Chassis Switch (Core) via optical fibre cables (B-Z).
The IBBUL network communicates with the Internet using a secure and dependable Juniper SRX 650 Firewall device. This firewall can accommodate up to four (4) distinct Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in a single network, depending on how the service is distributed inside. Juniper Network System Monitor Express (NSMExpress) is also connected to the Virtual Chassis Switch.
Orion Network Performance Monitoring software has been installed on this NSMExpress to monitor network performance. The Wireless Local Controller (WLC), which manages all wireless devices in the IBBUL network, is directly attached to the Virtual Chassis switch.
Figure 1.2 (ICT Centre, IBBUL) depicts the hotspot devices in the IBBUL environment. The Faculty of Sciences and Management share a hotspot, while the hostel and staff quarters each have one.
Hotspots often provide internet connectivity via wireless access points for computers, smartphones, and other devices. These hotspots have a 30-meter coverage range. In addition to the LAN, hotspots are supplied in some of these buildings to boost the number of people who connect.
These buildings include the ICT Centre, the Library, and the Senate Building. These hotspots connect to the Virtual Chassis Switch using the Media Converter interface.
Figure 1.2 shows the network structure of IBBUL (buildings and hotspots) (ICT Centre, IBBUL).
The VSAT in Figure 1.2 connects the IBBUL network to its Internet Service Provider (ISP).
Nonetheless, with a current bandwidth size of 45Mbps compared to IBBUL’s current staff and student population of approximately 12,975, and the trend of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) technology (such as smart phones, notepads, etc.) among students and University staff, the institution’s network is becoming congested.
Thus, there is a requirement for an effective bandwidth management policy. This policy is meant to encourage effective and increased learning within and outside the classroom(s), as well as foster a broad range of diversified
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