Background of the Study
The evolution of network infrastructure in universities has led to a growing preference for wireless networks due to their convenience, scalability, and flexibility compared to traditional wired networks. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi State, Nigeria, faces increasing demand for high-performance network services as the number of students and faculty using online resources continues to rise (Usman & Nuhu, 2024). In response to this, the university is considering the deployment of wireless networks, which promise improved accessibility and mobility. However, questions remain regarding the overall performance, reliability, and security of wireless networks compared to wired alternatives, especially in the context of large university environments.
Wired networks, traditionally used in academic settings, offer high reliability, lower latency, and secure connections. However, they require significant infrastructure, including physical cables and network switches, which may be challenging to maintain and scale (Dada & Adebayo, 2023). On the other hand, wireless networks offer mobility, easier installation, and cost-effectiveness, but they may suffer from issues like signal interference, lower speeds, and security vulnerabilities (Oyebanji et al., 2023).
This study aims to compare the performance of wired and wireless networks at ATBU, assessing factors such as speed, latency, scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness, in order to provide recommendations for optimal network infrastructure deployment.
Statement of the Problem
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University faces challenges in deciding whether to continue expanding its wired network infrastructure or to fully transition to wireless networks. While wireless networks offer benefits such as mobility, there are concerns regarding their performance, particularly in terms of speed, security, and reliability. The university lacks empirical data to support the decision-making process regarding the optimal type of network infrastructure to deploy for both academic and administrative purposes.
Objectives of the Study
To compare the performance of wired and wireless networks at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in terms of speed, reliability, and security.
To identify the advantages and disadvantages of both wired and wireless networks for the university environment.
To recommend the most suitable network infrastructure solution based on the university's needs and resources.
Research Questions
What are the key performance differences between wired and wireless networks at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University?
How does the scalability and maintenance cost of wired networks compare to wireless networks at ATBU?
What security challenges are associated with wireless networks at ATBU, and how do they compare to wired networks?
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on the network infrastructure of the main campus of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State, particularly in relation to academic and administrative buildings. The study may face limitations related to the availability of resources for testing, the geographical layout of the campus, and the difficulty of ensuring fair comparisons between wired and wireless network performance across different use cases.
Definitions of Terms
Wired Network: A network that uses physical cables to transmit data between devices.
Wireless Network: A network that transmits data using radio waves, allowing devices to connect without physical cables.
Latency: The delay in data transmission over a network.
Scalability: The ability of a network to accommodate growth in terms of users, devices, and services.
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