Enhancing the Design of A Typical Campus Area Network (CAN): VPN CONFIGURATION FOR A CAMPUS AREA NETWORK

Abstract

In this work readers are introduced to a method of enhancing already existing networks that are not properly deployed and the preliminary issues to be considered before deploying a functional network. The primary objective of this work is to enhance the performance of an existing University Network ( the Federal University of Technology Minna CAN at Gidan Kwano in this case ) and to provide cheap remote access via a Virtual Private Network ( VPN) to selected clients at the other satellite campus ( i.e. Bosso Campus ). This was achieved by carrying out a baseline study of the present design, then enhancing it by incorporating a ?hybrid' Network Hierarchy into the design at minimal cost and minimal change to the already existing physical structure. The VPN was implemented by deploying and configuring a VPN server and implementing a firewall to protect the network. With this, we proved that the VPN can be implemented on the equipments already deployed in the Network. And that this is a cheaper option to the expensive radio already deployed.