ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRAL COMPUTER LABS UNDER hp
DIGITAL VILLAGE CONCEPT AT THE KWAME NKRUMAH
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (KNUST) – A
CASE STUDY
By
Prof. E. Frempong
Coordinator, Environmental Science Programme and
Dean of Students, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
&
Prof. K. Singh
Dean, Faculty of Distance Learning, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
Presented at
THE JOINT ITU /UNU/CERN Workshop on African Research &
Education Networking (AFUNET) held on 25-27 September, 2005 at
CERN, Geneva, Switzerland.
ESTABLISHMENT OF CENTRAL COMPUTER LABS UNDER hp
DIGITAL VILLAGE CONCEPT AT KNUST – A CASE STUDY
Prof. E. Frempong
Coordinator, Environmental Science Programme and
Dean of Students, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
Prof. K. Singh
Dean, Faculty of Distance Learning, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana
SUMMARY
This short paper covers the major steps taken by the Kwame Nkrumah
University of Science and Technology for the ICT infrastructure development
and towards the effective use of ICT at the University under HP digital village
concept. It includes the network design for backbone connectivity which
includes interconnection among various departments to the Network
Operating Centre(NOC) using fiber optic technology, network costs,
bandwidths requirement, ICT services offered to students and staff, and future
planning/requirements.
Abbreviation: hp - Hewlett-Packard
1.0 ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY
The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Kumasi was
established by a Government Ordinance on 6th October 1951. It opened officially
on 22nd January 1952, with 200 Teacher Training students. The University has
within the short period of fifty (50) years of its existence become an important
centre for the training of scientists and technologists not only for Ghana but also
for other African countries.
The main University is situated on a campus of about seven square miles
(18 square kilometres) of undulating land and pleasant surroundings, about
four miles (6 kilometres) away from the centre of Kumasi, the Ashanti
Regional capital. The campus presents a panorama of beautiful and modern
buildings interspersed with verdant lawns and tropical flora, which provide
a cool and refreshing atmosphere congenial to academic studies.
The University has within the short period of its existence become an
important centre for the training of scientists and technologists not only for
Ghana but also for other African countries and other countries especially of
the European Union and North America.
At the beginning of 2004/05 Academic year, the student population was about
16,146(4,622 Female and 11,524 Male) which may go beyond 20,000 in
2005/06 Academic year. Currently, the University has 580 academic staff, 95
senior administrative staff and 2,599 supporting staff.
1
The University has now been restructured into six colleges:
 Architecture and Planning
 Art and Social Sciences
 Agriculture and Natural Resources
 Engineering
 Health Sciences
 Science
2.0 NETWORK BACKBONE
2.1 HIGHLIGHTS OF MAJOR COMPONENTS OF hp DIGITAL VILLAGE
(a) Establishment of central computer labs under hp digital village concept
(Appendix 1)
i.
Main Library
ii.
KVCIT
iii.
Faculty of Science
iv.
Pharmacy
(b) Wide Area Network (WAN) design for Fiber Optic Backbone
Connectivity
(Appendix 2)
(c) Creation of Local Area network (LAN) by various departments
(Appendix 1)
(d) Two-way broadband internet access
2.2 TECHNICAL OVERVIEW OF WIDE AREA NETWORKING (WAN)
2.2.1 Fibre Optic Topology:
The fibre optic cabling is dividing the KNUST campus into four (4) zones
(Appendix 2).
Zone 1: Administration, College of Art, Administration block 2, Library
(Main Library, KVCIT).
Zone 2: Agriculture, CCB, Agric Eng., IRNR, FEDS
Zone 3: SMS, Chemistry, Biological Sciences.
Zone 4: Physics, Engineering 1, Engineering 2, Social Sciences
2.2.2 HP 9304 Routing Switch at Pharmacy Block
The HP 9304 Routing Switch, installed at the Pharmacy Block would serve as
the central concentration point for all the remote sites. All remote sites
connect to it directly using an independent fiber pair. The throughput between
each remote site and the 9304 Router Switch is 200Mbps at full duplex. The
2
throughput between two sites would also be 200Mbps. This would provide a
high performance as well as provide huge scalability (The 9304 is a Modular
device and can take additional two 24 port fiber modules). In its existing
configuration itself, the 9304 can accommodate at least 8 additional sites.
Another option is to install Alcatel Asynchronous Transfer Mode(ATM) switch
as suggested by Ghana Telecom(GT FASTnet).
2.2.3 Network Configuration – VLANs
Each remote site would be a separate Network (subnet). All traffic to/fro from
a site would be routed from the central 9304 Routing switch. This would
result in clearly defined and secure networks. The 2524 manageable switches
at the remote sites support Virtual LANs(VLANs) which would further secure
and control the broadcast domain for the site.
2.2.4 Cisco 3640 Router at Pharmacy Block
This contains a dual E1 controller, one of which would be connected to a
NetModem broad band router combined with a satellite modem, network
router, and network management software into one box. The NetModem is
designed to facilitate dynamic bandwidth allocation and is highly suitable in
terms of both Inbound and Outbound data rates. The second E1 controller
would not be used immediately and would serve as a standby for future
upgrade. The Cisco 3640 would run the Cisco IOS 12.0 which is the latest in
Cisco range. It also has a bank of analog modems which would provide dial-in
access to dial-up commuters who wish to access the KNUST network
resources in a secure manner.
2.2.5 Cisco PIX Firewall at Pharmacy Block
The Cisco PIX firewall is capable of supporting multiple Networks. An extra
Fast Ethernet interface will be added which can be linked to a Demilitarized
LAN to host the KNUST WEB and E-mail servers. The PIX firewall would be
placed between the 9304M switch and the 3640 Router for maximum
protection and security.
2.3 NETWORK COSTS
Network costs consist of equipment, installation and recurrent monthly
charges. The cost is based on:
(1) Fibre Optic Cable and laying cost, the cost of the fibre link.
(2) Cost of switches, Cisco Routers and Catalyst, 3Com Hub.
(3) Backup link cost includes Wireless Inc. Radio access, copper backup
link.
(4) Monthly recurrent charges
3
(5) Maintenance and support services.
The total cost of Fibre Network on KNUST was US$ 1,286,845.00. Out of
this, KNUST’s contribution was US$286,845.00 and donation from HP was
US$1,000,000.00. The University’s contribution was used for the following:
Fibre Cables and Equipment:
US$177,689.00
VSAT Equipment and connectivity:
US$44,400.00
Switches, Transceivers, etc.:
US$64,756.00
In addition to this, a number of 2524 manageable switches at the remote
sites to support Virtual LANs(VLANs) and other material and technical
support to create VLANs in various Departments/units were obtained.
2.4 BANDWIDTH REQUIREMENTS
The KNUST Network Operating Centre (NOC) obtained two-way broadband
internet access to connect more than 1,000 computers directly to the MAE –
east internet backbone in Washington D.C. through a direct satellite link in
September, 2002. It is currently hooked to the IDirect Satellite through a
satellite dish provided by Afrinet Ghana Ltd., a Satellite Communications
company in Accra. The Centre is on a 128/1024kbps shared link to the
Internet at the cost of $4,823.72 every month for connectivity.
In addition to this, an annual local regulation fee of US$2,000.00 is paid to
National Communication Authority, Ghana for new VSAT equipment with
256/1024 kbps dedicated link to the internet. The approximate cost of this
new connection is $8,000.00 every month.
2.5 DISTANCE LEARNING INITIATIVE
The demand for higher education in terms of qualified applicants to
various programmes run by the University is very high. A number of
factors, including the limited classroom and laboratories etc. facilities
available at the University have conspired to limit the number of trained
professionals in Science and Technology graduates from the
University. In order to help remedy the situation, a new Faculty of
Distance Learning(FDL) has been established to deliver programmes
of study both on-going and new ones from all colleges of the University
in the distance learning mode through the use of a wide range of
technologies e.g. Print, Multimedia(CD ROMS, Audio/Video cassettes
etc.), TV Broadcast, Radio Broadcast, Video conferencing(IP based
system),
Video
conferencing(ISDN
based
system),
Web
Enhanced(some materials on line), Web based(most learning takes
placed on line).
4
The Faculty of Distance Learning comprises of two Departments:

Centre for Distance and Continuing Education(CDCE)
- Programmes Coordination Unit
- Material Production Unit
- Material Distribution Unit

Kumasi Virtual Centre for Information Technology(KVCIT)
- Software Development Unit
- Hardware Maintenance and Repair Unit
- Training Unit:
- Academic Programmes Unit
2.5.1 Programmes/Courses offered by Faculty of Distance Learning
i.
ii.
iii.
4-year B.Sc. (Applied Computer Science) RMIT/AVU Programme
2-year Diploma (Computer Science) RMIT/AVU Programme
short courses
a. Computer Literacy/Applications
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.
m.
Certificate in Journalism
IT Master Certificate
Certificate in Business Communication in English
Programming Languages (C++, Java, ASP, etc.)
Basic Office Packages
Introduction to Computers
A+ Certification/Computer Hardware
Web Design
AutoCAD, ArchiCAD
Networking
Email Service and Internet Browsing
Adobe PhotoShop, CorelDraw, Macromedia Flash and
Fireworks
2.5.2 Services provided to outside Institutions/ Organisations
1. Primary, JSS and SSS Teachers Training seminar on introduction to
computers, introduction to Internet and Meteorology organised by
AVU(KNUST)from 11th July to 1st August, 1998. More than twenty
five (25) teachers participated.
2. Elementary French for Beginners using "French in Action” December 1999 to June 2000.
3. Computer Training Workshop for fifty (50) Inspectors on Refresher
course at the Police Training School, Kumasi September 2000.
5
4. Economics and Business Journalism Distance Learning Seminar for
Professional Journalists and Journalists from Institute of Business and
Financial Economic Journalism, Kumasi - October 4 - November 29, 2000.
This Seminar was organized by the World Bank Institute(WBI) in
collaboration with the African Virtual University and the Global
Development Learning Network for the journalists in Ethiopia, Ghana,
Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe
with weekly three-hour sessions delivered through interactive television, with
email, and internet linkages for discussion, writing assignments, and reading
material.
5. Computer Literacy/Applications course for KNUST JSS Teachers –
August 2001.
6. Computer Literacy/Applications course for about one hundred (100)
students from Institute of Management Studies, Kumasi Centre –
2001.
7. Two (2) days' Computer Training for Agogo Presbyterian Nursing
Training College in July, 2001. Twenty three (23) students were
present.
8. Computer Literacy/Applications for JSS Leavers - 2002 – 2003.
9. Computer Training for about 20 staff from five(5) Satellite laboratories under
community out-reach programme from Community Services Foundations
(CSF)
- Computer literacy/Applications Training in 2003
- Computer Literacy/Applications Training in 2004
10. Computer Literacy/Applications course 3rd District Science
Technology Education Clinic for Girls (STME) from Ejisu Juaben
District of Ghana Education Service - August 2004.
2.6 BASIC SERVICES OFFERED TO STUDENTS
An ICT Centre has also been established and the following services are
available for students. The first year students are charged $30 whilst the
continuing students are charged $15 for a year.
Service
Internet Access
Email Service
File Sharing
e-learning system
ICT training
Description
Approximately 3 hours a week browsing
Myname.faculty@knust.edu.gh
5MB for saving documents
Chartrooms, discussion boards, course and staff
information, course upload and assignment delivery
systems
Applications usage and software development
options
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2.7 UNIVERSITY INFORMATION TECHNOL OGY COMMITTEE (UITC)
The University has an Advisory /Policy making University Information
Technology Committee (UITC) under the Chairmanship of the Vice
Chancellor to coordinate and oversee every aspect of ICT with the following
objectives:
- To initiate, promote and coordinate Information and Communications
Technologies (ICT) facilities at KNUST.
- To promote the innovative applications and uses of information and
Communications Technologies in learning, teaching and research.
- To advice the University on all IT related issues.
2.8 FUTURE PLANNING /REQUIREMENTS







There is a need to develop a culture of work and organizational
structure which takes advantage of the properties of the virtual or
electronic work space, and students and staff need to be prepared for
the proper use of the new technologies.
To work out a checklist that would be required to implement ICT
effectively within the University system i.e.
- Policy
- Technical
- Human resource
- Training requirement
To promote intelligent use of ICT in teaching and learning.
To make use of ICT to transform lectures from class room teaching
(face to face) into web based presentation.
To make proper use of ICT to manage, access, disseminate research
information.
To acquire course delivering tools ( WebCT, Blackboard, Ucompass
etc.) and to make arrangements for course delivery services to host the
on-line courses for distant learners.
As the University has been able to establish a number of central
computer pools under Hp Digital village concept and is also in the
process of acquiring more PCs from different sources including local
resources, growth of backbone to network each and every computer
and expansion of bandwidth are key factors to meet the enormous
demands of ICT at KNUST.
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Appendix 1
SITE
Science
Pharmacy*
SMS
FEDS
Computer*
Biological
Physics
Chemistry
Maths
Optometry
Biochemistry
Engineering
Agric
IRNR
Soc. Science
College of Arts
ILMAD
IMME
LIBRARY*
KVCIT*
Admin. 1&2
Planning Unit
Finance Office
No. of
Network
Points
120
168
96
120
93
53
40
48
6
15
15
0
9
0
10
0
0
50
150
10
10
10
Registered
computers on
KNUST LAN
40
50
10
60
10
8
8
0
0
4
15
0
9
0
10
0
0
29
29
10
10
10
No. of
Networked
computers in
student Lab.
16
0
10
50
10
6
0
24
0
0
8
0
2
0
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
* hp Supported Labs
8
Approximated
No. of
Computers
56
50
40
95
30
16
13
24
0
4
110
15
20
10
30
8
8
60
150
23
10
10
No. of
Registered
Laptops
(Lecturers)
14
15
3
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
7
2
4
1
3
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
No. of Registered
Laptops
(Students)
10
10
3
4
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
0
0
Standard
EAI/TIA-568
EAI/TIA-568
EAI/TIA-568
EAI/TIA-568
EAI/TIA-568
EAI/TIA-568
EAI/TIA-568
EAI/TIA-568
EAI/TIA-568
EAI/TIA-568
N/A
Not done
Not done
Not done
Not done
Not done
Not done
N/A
N/A
N/A
Not done
EAI/TIA-568
OPTIC FIBRE BACK-BONE
9