Background of the Study
As the internet has become a critical resource for educational and administrative functions in universities, efficient bandwidth allocation is vital for ensuring that all users receive reliable and adequate access. Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS), located in Sokoto, is experiencing an increasing demand for internet services due to its growing student population and the university's expanding online presence (Usman et al., 2023). Bandwidth allocation refers to the distribution of available internet capacity among different users, applications, and devices to ensure fair access and prevent congestion (Nwafor et al., 2024).
The university’s network infrastructure, like many others in developing countries, often faces the challenge of balancing limited resources with a high volume of users, particularly during peak hours. Bandwidth management is crucial for improving the user experience and enabling the smooth delivery of educational content, research collaboration, and administrative operations (Suleiman & Okeke, 2025). Without a system that dynamically allocates bandwidth based on demand, UDUS faces risks such as slow speeds, service disruptions, and poor user satisfaction.
To address these challenges, bandwidth optimization techniques are necessary to ensure that critical academic and administrative services are prioritized while providing adequate access for all users (Mohammed et al., 2023). Effective bandwidth management can also contribute to reducing operating costs by maximizing the utility of available resources. The goal of this study is to explore strategies for optimizing internet bandwidth allocation at UDUS, ensuring equitable access while maintaining high levels of performance and efficiency.
Statement of the Problem
The internet bandwidth at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, is not effectively managed, leading to periods of congestion, slow internet speeds, and unreliable service during peak usage times. This inefficiency in bandwidth allocation affects both students and staff, impairing academic work, administrative tasks, and communication (Akinyemi et al., 2024). Despite the growing demand for network resources, the university lacks a dynamic system to prioritize critical services and allocate bandwidth based on actual needs. Without optimization, the university risks continuing inefficiencies that hinder the overall productivity of its community.
Objectives of the Study
To evaluate the current bandwidth allocation practices at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and identify existing inefficiencies.
To design an optimized bandwidth allocation strategy that ensures equitable access while prioritizing critical academic and administrative services.
To assess the impact of the proposed bandwidth optimization strategy on network performance and user satisfaction.
Research Questions
What are the current bandwidth allocation challenges at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and how do they impact network performance?
How can internet bandwidth allocation be optimized to ensure fair and efficient usage at UDUS?
What is the effect of optimized bandwidth allocation on network speed, reliability, and overall user experience at the university?
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study will focus on the internet bandwidth allocation within the main campus of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and will consider academic, administrative, and student network traffic. The study will exclude satellite campuses and other external facilities, as well as any non-internet related bandwidth resources such as local area networks. The study will be limited by available data on network usage patterns and may face constraints related to technical access or institutional cooperation.
Definitions of Terms
Bandwidth Allocation: The process of distributing available bandwidth resources across users, applications, and devices to optimize network performance.
Bandwidth Optimization: Techniques or strategies used to improve the efficiency of bandwidth usage, ensuring equitable and reliable service for all users.
Network Congestion: A situation where the demand for bandwidth exceeds the available capacity, resulting in slower speeds and service disruptions.
Quality of Service (QoS): A measure of the overall performance of a network, often influenced by factors such as bandwidth, latency, and reliability.
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