Wi-Fi Network Quality Assessment Towards a Smart University: A Case Study of Mahasarakham University

Abstract

A Smart University serves as a crucial component in enabling the implementation of intelligent systems and driving innovation. Many international universities have taken the lead in initiating Smart University projects to align with the ever-changing educational landscape. Thailand is actively dedicated to pursuing a transformative agenda that is consistent with the 20-year national strategy (2018-2037) with the aim of promoting sustainable development. This study aims to examine the performance of the Wi-Fi network at Mahasarakham University in Thailand, with the objective of identifying factors that influence the delivery of network services, user satisfaction and network coverage. The findings will provide valuable information to enhance the system. The study focuses on assessing user behaviors related to network usage and evaluating user satisfaction across three dimensions. Wi-Fi network service, security system and service venue/facilities. In addition, the NetSpot software tool is used to measure the extent of Wi-Fi signal coverage. The research seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the university's Wi-Fi network in supporting the transition towards a Smart University. The study's target population consists of students, professors and staff members at Mahasarakham University during the academic year 2022, which is a total of 45,426 individuals. The findings will provide valuable guidance to university management, enabling them to plan, analyze and design an efficient and effective smart IT infrastructure to facilitate the development of students, faculty and university staff toward a Smart University.