Converged network access solution for mass network connections : case of Last Mile Networks
Date
2014
Authors
Makhaso, Byron Chesoli
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
In current network access, customer premises equipment (CPEs) connect to a single
network option at a time, the CPEs operate based on established connections. Although
telecommunication companies have designed and established various last mile
networks, limitations of the access lines has been the major impediment to the end user.
ISPs last mile infrastructure that is based on per user connectivity has proved to be very
expensive and only minimal connections have been established, another major
limitation is the creation of a single point of failure with no failover techniques to
enhance availability of network resources.
A critical key to support mass network connection is therefore a converged network
access module. It is vital to build the access module as a fundamental resource in
enabling mass network connectivity. Since a converged network access module will
enable mass network connectivity, accurate methods for network access technology
data collection must be used to help evaluate those measures that are already in place.
This study explores kenya’s communication infrastructure and proposes a converged
network access solution that would address kenya’s last mile network connectivity
challenges, that traditionaly had hindered mass network connectivity, and denied
millions of users access to networked/internet services. Converged network access
invention relates to a multiservice platform which allows a plurality of CPEs accesing
any services provided by a plurality of service providers which may utilize any of the
plurality of telecommunication networks. For the purposes of this study and due to the
difficulty of accessing relevant parties : ISPs and modifying platforms to meet the
requirements of the proposed system, a mobile based application prototype is
implemented on the android platform. The prototype captures information for
connected established link only, further research is to be done to develop a complete
system. In conclusion this paper examines the mix of technical, regulatory, and business
strategy issues that arise if one contemplates implementing the converged network access
solution.
Description
A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment Of The Requirements For The Award Of The Master Of Science In Information Technology (Msc.IT)
Keywords
Converged Network Access, Network, Mass Network Connections, Last Mile Networks, ICT, Last-mile, CPEs