Design of a Secure Campus Network Infrastructure for Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State
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Background of the Study
Campus networks are integral to the smooth operation of universities, providing the backbone for academic and administrative services. Secure and efficient network infrastructure is essential in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining operational continuity in higher educational institutions (Li et al., 2024). Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), as a major academic institution in northern Nigeria, faces increasing demand for robust network services to accommodate its growing number of students, faculty, and administrative staff. These services are essential for online learning, research, communications, and other academic activities. However, with the increase in the volume and complexity of campus networks, security challenges such as unauthorized access, data breaches, and denial-of-service attacks have become pressing concerns (Kumari et al., 2023).
Network infrastructure in Nigerian universities often suffers from outdated hardware, inconsistent security policies, and limited monitoring systems (Okafor, 2024). These vulnerabilities expose critical resources to a variety of threats, potentially compromising the safety and privacy of users. A secure campus network should not only defend against external threats but also provide internal network segmentation to limit the scope of any potential breaches. Furthermore, the increasing use of mobile devices and IoT in university environments demands that the security architecture accounts for a wide range of access points and devices (Chukwuma et al., 2025). Thus, there is an urgent need to design a secure network infrastructure that provides a balance between accessibility and security, promoting the growth of a safe digital campus for both learning and administrative activities.
Statement of the Problem
Ahmadu Bello University’s current network infrastructure is susceptible to a range of security risks, which poses a significant threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical academic and administrative data. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, the need to secure the network against unauthorized access, malware, and data leakage has become more pronounced. Without adequate security protocols in place, the university risks data breaches, intellectual property theft, and service disruptions, which can hinder educational outcomes and damage the institution's reputation (Abubakar et al., 2024). Moreover, the lack of a centralized security management system in ABU exacerbates the challenges of monitoring and responding to potential security breaches in real-time. A comprehensive and robust network design is necessary to mitigate these risks and ensure that the university's digital infrastructure remains protected from both external and internal threats.
Objectives of the Study
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To design a secure and scalable network infrastructure for Ahmadu Bello University that meets the security and operational needs of the institution.
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To implement network segmentation and access control policies to mitigate the risks of unauthorized access and cyber-attacks.
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To evaluate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed network infrastructure in securing university resources and ensuring reliable connectivity.
Research Questions
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What are the current security challenges faced by Ahmadu Bello University in terms of its campus network infrastructure?
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How can a secure network design be implemented to address the identified security risks while ensuring seamless access for authorized users?
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What are the performance implications of the proposed secure network infrastructure in terms of accessibility, speed, and scalability?
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on the design of a secure campus network infrastructure specifically for Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State. It will consider the university's existing network setup, identify vulnerabilities, and propose security improvements. The research will be limited to the university's primary campus, excluding remote campuses or external affiliates. Network performance evaluation will be confined to the existing traffic demands and system capabilities within the university’s Local Government Area (LGA). The study will also be limited by the availability of resources such as hardware and administrative cooperation, which may affect the implementation of some security features.
Definitions of Terms
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Network Infrastructure: The physical and virtual resources that support network connectivity, communication, operations, and management.
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Cybersecurity: The practice of defending computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, damage, or unauthorized access.
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Access Control: A method used to regulate who can access network resources and services, based on their credentials.
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Network Segmentation: The practice of dividing a computer network into multiple segments to improve security and performance.
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Chapter One: Introduction
