Background of the Study
Network performance is a critical factor in ensuring that university students, faculty, and staff can access online resources and participate in educational activities without disruption. Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa State, has been facing challenges related to network congestion, especially during peak usage times, which can lead to slow connection speeds, disruptions in service, and reduced productivity. Load balancing is an effective strategy for enhancing network performance by distributing network traffic evenly across multiple servers or network paths to prevent any single component from being overwhelmed (Aminu & Dogo, 2024).
Load balancing is essential for optimizing the performance and reliability of university networks, particularly in environments with high user traffic. Without proper load balancing, network bottlenecks can occur, leading to slower response times and poor user experiences. Furthermore, unbalanced networks can experience higher rates of packet loss, increased latency, and even system downtime (Olajide et al., 2023). By implementing load balancing techniques, universities can ensure that resources are allocated efficiently, and network performance remains stable and predictable.
This study aims to explore the application of load balancing techniques in the network infrastructure of Federal University, Lafia, and assess their effectiveness in improving the university’s overall network performance, reliability, and user satisfaction.
Statement of the Problem
Federal University, Lafia, has been experiencing network performance issues, particularly in terms of slow speeds and unreliable connections during peak usage periods. The university lacks an effective load balancing system to optimize the distribution of network traffic. As a result, users frequently encounter delays and disruptions in accessing online academic materials, engaging in virtual classes, or completing administrative tasks. Without proper load balancing, the university's network cannot efficiently handle the increasing demand for resources, which impairs the quality of the educational experience.
Objectives of the Study
To assess the current network performance at Federal University, Lafia, and identify areas prone to congestion.
To implement a load balancing solution and evaluate its impact on network performance and reliability.
To recommend strategies for optimizing load balancing and improving the overall user experience in the university's network infrastructure.
Research Questions
What are the key factors contributing to network congestion at Federal University, Lafia?
How does the implementation of load balancing improve network performance at the university?
What are the challenges and limitations of implementing load balancing in the network infrastructure of Federal University, Lafia?
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study will focus on evaluating network performance in academic and administrative buildings on the main campus of Federal University, Lafia. The implementation of load balancing will be tested using the university’s existing network infrastructure. The study may be limited by technical constraints, including the complexity of deploying load balancing solutions, the availability of network monitoring tools, and time constraints in evaluating the effectiveness of the system.
Definitions of Terms
Load Balancing: The process of distributing network traffic evenly across multiple servers or paths to ensure optimal performance and prevent overload.
Network Congestion: A state where network resources are insufficient to handle the volume of data traffic, resulting in delays and packet loss.
Reliability: The ability of a network to perform consistently and without failure.
Network Performance: A measure of the speed, reliability, and efficiency of a network.
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