Friday, January 30, 2015

Enhancing network scalability in GWAI - the case of GWAI and lessons for the future of campus networks in Sri Lanka

Enhancing network scalability in Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute - the case of GWAI and lessons for the future of campus networks in Sri Lanka

Full paper --> ResearchGate


Chapter 1 BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION


1.1 Introduction


Rapid growth in Internet usage by existing and new users, and use it on a daily basis has risen exponentially. Internet use by mobile devices is rapidly increasing and it can cover a vast geographic area and can easily be applied (Kende , 2012). The trend like cloud computing, mobile devices will likely become more reliant on processing performed remotely (Yang, 2012).  Students are using the network to download music and watch YouTube. Bandwidth consuming applications such as peer-to-peer(P2P) file-sharing programs, Internet phone service, and online video & gaming are able to clog and slow down corporate networks, degrading performance. Most of Sri Lankan Universities experienced bottlenecks of their networks. These bottlenecks caused by bots, malware and Spam.  High rates of interrupts from network can reduce performance. Network performance is a major issue when we had relatively large users and devices using relatively more resources.  Bad network can lead to a whole host of issues, including a slow network. The other factor was low and limited bandwidth affecting Internet connectivity than expected. The limitation of bandwidth was due to the fact that the channel capacities were not enough. By then, ICT management issues were left in the hands of technicians who had very little knowledge on bandwidth management such that spam and malware were the older of the day. Increasing demand placed on networks has made the ubiquitous approach. The Internet Protocol (IP) space that has been exhaust. There are new demands for IPs, while new devices tend to connect to the IP networks, such as smart phones, iPads and notebooks.
Setting up a computer network for growing environment, scalability is the key factor. Network scalability is the ability of computer network to grow with needs change and to handle the amount of traffic that runs on it. Not taking scalability into account can mean spending more money on infrastructure down the road.
Users at the Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute (GWAI) is experiencing network performance issues that are severely degrading the abilities of various disciplines to accomplish scientific and other research goals in a timely manner. They need to wait at long minutes to get connect to the network or users may be unable to connect to the network. Current scenario, the IT facilities and supporting technologies such as wired, wireless, mobile technologies have evolved and it is commonly available. Presently, most of student at the GWAI carry a laptop or a tablet or a smart phone. It is likely the available IPv4 address space at GWAI will run out.
Utilizing its current network configuration, the GWAI is not able to maximize its significant investment in network infrastructure. In the face of new demands, GWAI Local Area Network (LAN) can either increase their capacity or find ways to connect new devices to the existing LAN. 
This project  intends to clear and precise study and explore the network infrastructures of all Universities in Sri Lanka and proposed secure solution for GWAI further improvement.


1.1.1 Objectives:


The general objective of this study was to assess the network of GWAI. The study attempted to achieve the following specific objectives.
1.            To critically examine the existing network of GWAI
2.            To identify the size of the network on choice
3.            To identify the numbers of users and frequency of use of the network
4.            To identify Internet services demanded by the Students & Staff
5.            To explore the current Network Models of Campus networks and its drawbacks
6.            To identify the quality of service of the network
7.            To recommend the suitable model in order to provide secure and easy accessible network infrastructure.

1.2 Organization and its context:


1.2.1 Introduction of the Organization :


GWAI is affiliated to the University of Kelaniya. It is one of the two University institutes of Ayurveda education in Sri Lanka. Thus in keeping with its vision, to be the centre of excellence in Ayurveda education and research in South Asia, the Institute with a proud history of over 77 years continues in its endeavor to meet the challenge of maintaining its unique position in the University system. The Institute has its origin in the well-known Gampaha Sidayurveda Vidyalaya founded by renowned patriot traditional Ayurveda Physician late Pandit G. P. Wickramarachchi in 1929, as a centre of learning Siddayurveda tradition of medicine(GWAI, 2012).
It was established by the Government Notification of Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 with effect from 1st March, 1995, as an autonomous institute to set patterns in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Ayurveda Medical Education in all its branches so as to demonstrate a high standard of Ayurveda education. The course leading to the Degree of  Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) has been in existence since 1998. It mainly follows a disciplinary structure. However, since inception, GWAI has been constantly upgrading its course content in tune with the changing needs. Many alterations, which have taken place during the period of many years, have been reflected in the present curriculum document.
 BAMS degree programme is a professional degree in the field of Ayurveda Medicine developed as per the guidelines and benchmarks declared by World Health Organization and University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka. The curriculum and Syllabus of BAMS degree programme leads to develop Ayurveda Medical Professionals, who are competent to practice independently in any setting of the community. The curriculum and syllabus have been designed not only to acquire necessary knowledge, clinical skills but also to improve professional attitudes so as to work as a member of healthcare team.  The structure of the curriculum covers philosophical background of Ayurveda, basic sciences, behavioural sciences, clinical sciences, community health and medical jurisprudence. Special attention is given to generate necessary language skills and skills in information and communication technology which have been identified as prime requirement for effective learning and practice of Ayurveda. The content of each course unit has been organized to generate essential knowledge, understanding, skills and professional attitudes from fundamental theoretical aspect to practical aspect. BAMS degree programme is fortified with the introduction of research methodology and basic statistics leading to conduct a research project with the aim of generating enthusiasm in invention and development of the Ayurveda.
Norm reference method of evaluation is followed in assessing the student's performances instead of criteria reference method. Each component of the curriculum will be assessed continuously at mid-semester examinations and end-semester examinations.
All BAMS undergraduates are expected, at the successful completion of the programme, to have professional skills to approach indigenous medical practice with sufficient knowledge of basic principles of Ayurveda, required intellectual and practical skills in enquiry, clinical reasoning, critical thinking and decision making in accepted ethical and legal frame. In addition, the BAMS undergraduates are expected to have standard professional values, attitudes, behaviour and ethics so as to recognize as qualified Ayurveda Professionals. 
GWAI consists of five departments; the Department of Ayurveda Basic Principles, the Department of Dravyaguna Vignana, the Department of Cikitsa, the Department of Çalya Shälakya and the Department of Kaumärabhåtya. The Department of Ayurveda Basic Principles conducts courses related to Fundamentals of Ayurveda, Languages and Information and Communication Technology. Division of Human Biology offers the courses of basic biological sciences. Department of Dravyaguna Vignana conducts courses related to the disciplines of Pharmacognosy, Pharmacology and Pharmacy. Department of Cikitsa primarily concerns on General Medicine. Department of Çalya Shälakya deals with the disciplines of Surgery and Department of Kaumärabhåtya and Stree Roga conducts courses in the disciplines of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics.
The syllabus and curriculum structured on course unit system, which runs in academic semesters. The duration of a semester is 15 weeks. A course unit is a subject module bearing a credit value. A credit is a time based quantitative measure excluding the independent learning hours used in calculating the grade point average.
The Graduate Studies Division (GSD) of the Institute was established with the aim of providing facilities for postgraduate educ`ation programmes and extensive education programmes.
GSD consist of three main divisions; postgraduate and Extensive Education Division, Research and Publication Division and Information and Communication Technology Division.
GSD conducts Masters of Science in Management and Administration of Ayurvedic Institutions, Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Administration of Ayurveda Institutions, Certificate Course in Yoga and Relaxation Techniques, Certificate Course in English Language, Diploma in Ayurveda Pharmaceuticals, Certificate Course in Kshara sutra, Certificate Course in German Language, Certificate Course in Computer Literacy, and Certificate Course in Ayurveda Beauty Culture.
GWAI Language Laboratory consists of multimedia Language Learning System developed to provide advanced language learning experience based on digital technology. The Laboratory helps teachers and students to use various audio–visual multimedia materials during the class and interact with each other easily and efficiently for building language learning skills.
Central laboratory is the main laboratory of the institute. This laboratory provides facilities to conduct practical classes of Physiology and Pathology for BAMS undergraduate programme. Further, it provides laboratory facilities for the postgraduate research and clinical investigation services for the public.
Research and Publication Division (RPD) of the Institute commenced in the year 2004. The Research and Publication Division organizes and conducts the “Pandit G.P. Wickramarachchi Memorial Research Symposium” annually with the aim of providing opportunities to disseminate the research results and to exchange the research experiences among researchers. The Journal of GWAI is the official journal published by the Research and Publication Division of the Institute.
GWAI Library has located in the Pandit G.P. Wickramarachchi Memorial Library Building. It is being developed as a Higher Educational Library that introduced with the establishment of the Institute.
The main objectives of this Library are firstly, to supply the readers library resources and books on Ayurveda, Indigenous Medicine, Medical Science, Health Science, Languages, ICT & Computer Science, Buddhist Philosophy & other related Subjects, secondly, to organize the library services as to disseminate knowledge, information, entertainment and to develop abilities with appreciation, and thirdly, to develop the library as a Special Library that is to be a state of an Ayurveda Research Library & Information Center.
Gampaha Wickramarachchi Sidhayurveda Medical College was established in 1929 by pundit G.P Wickramarachchi with the aims of improving Ayurveda Medicine and provided treatment freely. In 1984 it was upgraded to the hospital and on 27th February, 2008 it was affiliated to the Department of Ayurveda.
At present this hospital has four wards that can accommodate 120 patients. In addition there is an out patients department and a pharmacy. This Ayurvedic Teaching hospital provides Teaching and training facilities to undergraduate Medical students of the GWAI.
The Computer Center is located on the second floor of the Multi Purpose building. This is a common center providing computer facilities and services to Academic and Non-academic staff of the institute. The center consists of a main laboratory and is equipped with 100 computers, one file server and other accessories.

1.3 Identification/Background of the Issue :


The GWAI currently have only 2 Mbps Internet connectivity and one single network.  Current network offers the slow performance in transferring data, sound, video, and graphics files.  The long waiting times for file downloading directly affects the effectiveness and efficiency of the teaching/learning process. Students need to wait at long minutes to get connect to the network or students may be unable to connect to the network. Wireless access to the students who has notebooks, smart-phones and Tabs disconnected time to time. Learning Management System (LMS) was introduced to the students and most of students facing issues like login-in, downloading and uploading assignments. GWAI management need to implement Wireless local area network (WLAN), email server, Library system and other Information systems.
While GWAI has single network user broadcasts will be received by every other user and this take more time to process data. Broadcasts are caused by viruses, worms and malware, as well as many legitimate programs.
Network management has been expected to be a problem for GWAI. The improvement of sophisticated network infrastructure are becoming a very important problem.


1.4 Structure of the Study

The study is presented in five chapters.
Chapter 01     -           Background and Motivation
This chapter provides an overview to the study by describing the Background of the study, research problem, purpose and objective of this research, monitoring network infrastructure and network requirement analysis.
Chapter 02     -           Literature Review
This chapter includes the survey of the literature related to the variable research  i.e. suitable network designs for campus networks, comparison of network designs, Sri Lankan University network designs and typical cost for the networks.
Chapter 03     -           Methodology
This chapter describes the Theoretical framework, network design life cycle, conceptual model, research findings, primary and secondary sources of data, method of data collection, hypotheses, and data evaluation.
Chapter 04     -           Results and Analysis 
This chapter highlights the profile of users, analysis of ranked data, nonparametric methods and hypotheses testing.
Chapter 05     -       Findings and Conclusion
This chapter discusses the findings of the network designs, conclusions based on the analyzed data and recommendations and further studies.




Full paper --> ResearchGate

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