NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE

Due to the envisaged increase in number of staff and student population as well as the increase in the number of satellite campuses, there is the urgent need to deploy a uniform efficient and reliable network infrastructure that would support the academic, research and administrative work of the University at all campuses.

AIMS OF THE PROJECT
» To establish interconnectivity between UHAS satellite campuses
» To centralize UHAS Network Resources
» To ensure data integrity on UHAS network
» To ensure efficient utilization of network bandwidth and to reduce packet losses on the Network.

OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this project is to;
» Boost productivity
» Share hardware resource
» Increase internal and external communication and thereby improve the visibility of the University to the outside world
» Reduce long term operational cost
» Centralize IT infrastructure and
» Improve data security on UHAS enterprise network.

NATURE OF THE PROJECT
The project involves the installation and configuration of sophisticated hardware devices that Support Enterprise Network implementation such as Routers, Layer 2 and Layer 3 Switches as well as telecommunication carrier network (packet switching network), the deployment of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN’s) and documentation of the network.

IMPLEMENTATION
Due to financial constraints, the project is divided into three phases. However, all phases could be implemented simultaneously if adequate funding is obtained since the University now has the required manpower with technical abilities to do so.

PHASE 1
Phase one involves the implementation of a Wide Area Network to link the various campuses. After implementation of the first phase, remote offices will be able to have connectivity to the core network at the Main Campus for data communication. Communication between the University and other external entities would equally improve. However, the local network conditions at various campuses would remain the same with some degree of challenges.

PHASE 2
The Second Phase involves the extension of the Campus networks and to improve communication between various offices at the same campus.

PHASE 3
Implementation of the third phases of the project will eliminate broadcast Domains on Local Area Networks thereby improving bandwidth utilization and control Packet loss on the network. Staff and students will at this point begin to experience a smooth network connectivity for academic and administrative use.

The network topology and required hardware for the various phased have been provided below.
Although CISCO devices were used in developing the document, equivalent equipment from other vendors would be considered if they have the same level of performance as devices recommended.

WIRELESS DEVICE REQUIRED FOR EACH CAMPUS.
PERMANENT CAMPUS
»  Twenty-three (23) Indoor 3600 wireless Access Points
»  One (1) Cisco 5500 Controller AIR-CT5520-K9 Wireless Controller as shown below

TRAFALGAR CAMPUS

»  Eight (8) Indoor 3600 wireless Access Points
»  One (1) Outdoor 3600 wireless Access Points

DAVE CAMPUS

»  Six (6) Indoor 3600 wireless Access Points
»  Two (2) Outdoor 3600 wireless Access Points