BM006-3-2CRI Individual Assignment

Details:

Module Code : BM006-3-2CRI-T

Intake Code : UC2F1708IT(NC)

Lecturer Name : HASLINA HASHIM

Student Name : Abdurraouf Fathi Ali Sawehli

TP : TP042816

Hand in Date : 30 MAY 2018

Word count 2207 exclude tables, diagrams, references, cover page etc..

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BM006-3-2CRI Individual Assignment

Executive Summary:

APU High-Speed Internet Access Service is a paid service in which users can get a high-speed
internet using their APcard. The normal internet access becomes slow since the rapid growth of
the university and the increasing in number of students. The need to provide a service that has
different access rates becomes essential to boost up the university network and allow users to get
a better expensive of the internet access. Various technologies are used in this service such as Load
Balancing, Bandwidth Allocation, APcard system and python language for programming the
system. There is plethora of competitors to provide this service such as Antamedia and Blesk. The
functions of the two systems have been discussed later. In addition, Mind mapping and Scamper
tools are used to carry out Idea generation section. SWOT analysis and Evaluation matrix are used
to evaluate the idea and its techniques. Proposed price of the service is based on the plan which
user chooses. The affordable plan is with RM3.99 only and the pro plan is with RM4.99 per day.

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Contents
Part 1: ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
1.1 Introduction: ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Problem Statement: ............................................................................................................................ 5
1.3 Competitor Analysis: ........................................................................................................................... 6
1.4 Objective Statement: .......................................................................................................................... 9
Part 2 ........................................................................................................................................................... 10
2. Idea Generation: ................................................................................................................................. 10
2.1 Mind Mapping:.............................................................................................................................. 10
2.2 SCAMPER:...................................................................................................................................... 12
Part 3: .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.1 Visuals of the product concept: ........................................................................................................ 14
3.2 Opening: ............................................................................................................................................ 17
3.3 Features: ........................................................................................................................................... 17
3.4Function: ............................................................................................................................................ 17
3.5 Technologies: .................................................................................................................................... 18
Part 4 ........................................................................................................................................................... 19
4. Market Identification .......................................................................................................................... 19
4.1 Price: ............................................................................................................................................. 19
4.2 Product/Package: .......................................................................................................................... 19
4.3 Place: ............................................................................................................................................. 19
4.4 Promotion: .................................................................................................................................... 19
Part 5: .......................................................................................................................................................... 20
5.Idea Evaluation: ................................................................................................................................... 20
5.1 SWOT analysis: .............................................................................................................................. 20
5.2 Evaluation matrix: ......................................................................................................................... 21
6.References and Appendix: ....................................................................................................................... 22

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BM006-3-2CRI Individual Assignment

Part 1:
1.1 Introduction:

As I work as a Software Development Manager in an IT consultant company, I was tasked

to introduce a solution on consumer products to maintain their competitive position in the market.
The solution should appeal to the market and realistic within the next five years. In addition, the
proposed solution should help users in their daily needs, operations and tasks as well as have the
relation to shopping and solving social issues. The proposed solution will be offered to Asia Pacific
University to overcome some of their issues by carrying out a deep research and come up with the
best solutions.

Asia Pacific University is one of the leading organizations in Malaysia which provides
various courses for all levels of education stating from diploma and before it to Ph.D. researchers.
APU has an international student’s community from more than 110 countries which implies the
significant number of its student. APU is a place where technology, innovation, and creativity are
the first concern to prepare ready and professional graduates who can play vital roles in their future
career (Apu, 2018). APU tries hard to follow up with new technologies and deploying efficient
products and services to sustain their market position among other competitors and after moving
to a big new campus where most of the courses are held, and they are still expanding it, so all the
group facilities will be in the same place.

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1.2 Problem Statement:

With the rapid growth of APU and the increasing in the number of students, the network
infrastructure of the building needs to be improved as all these significant changes. As it is being
observed, the need to provide high-speed internet access has become an essential service to the
students and staff to boost up the university network infrastructure in a more efficient way where
users can get a better experience of the internet access. The demand for bandwidth within a
university as APU in which technology is the first thing that will pop up in your mind is at all-time
high whatever in the current situation or the nearby future. The internet connection regarding speed
in the peak times is one of the issues that sometimes carry out some limitation in the ping number
as well as the download and upload rates. That leads to some obstacles in situations when accessing
the network resources is highly needed for both staff and students. Moreover, the university is
getting bigger day by another, and the number of students is increasing in a tremendous rhythm
where the normal internet access can be exasperating and does not function properly. To add on
that, APU is utilizing a new technology for their students named as the APcard in which students
can do most of the in-campus payment operations by it in a cashless way such as printing, parking
fees etc... Yet, the existing system of the university does not provide a service of getting payment
for optional services such as the high-speed internet access. Therefore, an upgrade or provide a
practical solution that offers the service and allocate different bandwidth dynamically based on the
user type utilizing the APcard is needed.

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BM006-3-2CRI Individual Assignment

1.3 Competitor Analysis:

Antamedia and Blesk are compared with the solution below for the competitor analysis.

- Antamedia:

Antamedia is a private leading company since 2001. It brings the advantages of

professional software to small and medium organizations and lately to global companies and
enterprises. Their software solutions are being used in different places such as hotels, hospitals
and even in small cafes. All of their products work independently and be scaled to international
offices with a simple interface and reducing any additional cost such as users training, continuous
upgrades and troubleshooting. They are continually staying aware of the most recent advances and
contributing a decent piece of the benefit over into innovative work (Antamedia, 2018).

- BLËSK:

BLËSK provides a modern and a qualified service which is powerful, flexible and easy to
use for clients to help them face the network complexity challenges such as monitoring. They
implement new technologies that revolutionize how they do things, with ever-tighter time
constraints. Their monitoring solution is a multiple of network monitoring management to helps
users recognize the performance of network in a way everyone can easily envisage, investigate
and identify problems once they get up (BLËSK, 2018).

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1.3.1 Common attributes:

Antamedia Bandwidth Manager is an easy setup application that can be used from a small
cafe shop or medium networks or enterprise one with a simple interface (Antamedia, 2018). It is
used to limit the available bandwidth and the download and upload speeds for all clients in the
network with a feature of filtering blacklisted websites. It helps network administrators to manage
and restrict internet usage, download and upload, data traffic for all hosts in the network. Also,
this system can work on any version of Windows or Server OS and simple to integrate and utilize.
The system can carry out statistics, reports and other features. It also has a DNS web filter feature
that blocks certain websites or stops access them. Antamedia Bandwidth Manager also effectively
configure the speed for all clients in the network or create individual user accounts such as all
understudies have 100 Kb/s while lecturers have 1 Mbit/s. It can simply allocate monthly or daily
limits. For example, a client can get 4 GB in a month, with 200 MB by a day in a restricted way.
The system can generate vouchers to be paid by the users in cash (Antamedia, 2018).

Blesk is a platform for network monitoring and management. It is comprised of a mix of

open source and proprietary tools that come pre-installed and configured on an optimized 64-bit
version of CentOS Linux. BLËSK is a whole and united network management solution that consist
of sending of alerts, performance data, real-time data flow analysis, centralization of events logs
of all kinds, asset management, and more (BLËSK, 2018). Next table summarizes the comparison
between the two solutions.

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BM006-3-2CRI Individual Assignment

Company IT Consultant company Antamedia (Antamedia, BLËSK

2018). (BLËSK, 2018).
Product Name APU High-Speed Antamedia Bandwidth Blesk System
Internet System Manager
Uniqueness - Can be integrated with - Easy to setup. -Bandwidth Utilization.
the APcard system. - Used from a small cafe - Diagnostic Tools.
- Allocate bandwidth shop up to enterprise one. - Internet Usage
dynamically to users. - Simple interface. Monitoring.
- No Client installation. - Websites filtering - Usage Analytics.
- Time limit for using the - Limit the available - Web Traffic
service. bandwidth. Reporting.
- Autologin Sessions. -Carry out statistics and - Supported and
- Easy to be used reports. maintained forever.
- IP and Port Filtering. High-security level.
- Resource Management.

Limitation - Free and no fees - Paid service -Paid service.

required for installation. - Cannot be integrated - Resource
- Network Traffic with the APcard system. Management.
Analysis. - Diagnostic Tools. - Cannot be integrated
- Maintenance and - SLA Monitoring with the APcard system.
support is not available - Low security level.
for a long time. - Can work in CentOS
Linux only,
Technology -Traffic Shaping. -Service-Based -User-Based Bandwidth
-Scheduling Algorithm. Bandwidth Management. Management.
- Congestion avoidance. -Firewall. - Simple Network
- Load Balancing. - SNMP. Monitoring Protocol
- Python (SNMP)
- SNMP3

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1.4 Objective Statement:

The objective of propsed solution is to provide a reliable and fast internet connection which
expands the functions of the existing network infrastructure and control and manage the network
bandwidth in a way that speed is the first concern and to develop the system in which users can
use the service utilizing their APcards.

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BM006-3-2CRI Individual Assignment

Part 2
2. Idea Generation:
2.1 Mind Mapping:

Mind Mapping is a graphical thinking tool which can be used as an easy way to demonstrate
new ideas and solutions. It is an effective way to do brainstorming and getting new information
out of the brain. The method maps keywords that generate relations to the new idea and it works
as an external mirror of the natural thinking demonstrated by a graphic process that aids to reveal
the dynamic potential of the brain (iMindMap, 2017).

Figure shows a mind mapping of the proposed solution.

2.1.1 Outcomes:

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BM006-3-2CRI Individual Assignment

There are several outcomes that can extracted from this technique which are:

1. Limited Quota for the bandwidth allocation, Network Monitoring, Load Balancing,
getting payment using APcard, used by the university community and used by all
end-devices with average cost.
2. Unlimited Quota, Network Monitoring, Load Balancing, getting payment using cash,
used by the insider and outsiders, and used by all end-devices with expensive cost.
3. Unlimited Quota for the bandwidth allocation, Network Monitoring, Load Balancing,
getting payment using APcard, used by the university community, and used by all lab
PCs with cheap cost.
4. Unlimited Quota for the bandwidth allocation, Network Monitoring, Load Balancing,
getting payment using cash, used by the university community and used by all lab
PCs with expensive cost.

2.1.2 Evaluation:

The best outcome which can be suitable with all factors of the proposed solution is the
First Outcome. Limited bandwidth is assigned for the users with an affordable and average cost
in a way that the university community such as students, lectures etc... only can be benefited by
the solution. In addition, all end-user devices can access to the system with their laptop, lab PCs
and even smart phones.

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2.2 SCAMPER:

SCAMPER is a creative brainstorming method that aids in generating ideas for new
solutions in which how to improve the exiting situation. Different questions need to be asked about
the current service. SCAMPER can be very efficient to work with as it saves time and easy to link
later (Mindtools.com, 2016).

Substitute Instated of using the normal payment method where users need to buy
the vouchers using cash, APcard system is utilized to get the payment
in cashless way. Instead of assigning same bandwidth for all users,
various services are proposed with different speed and quota.
Combine Combine the existing bandwidth system of the university with the
new solution in which some users have a high-speed rate allocation
than others.
Adapt Make the service as easy and affordable as possible to interest users
and make it marketable by providing low-cost fees and easy to access
service.
Modify Modify the exiting portal system of the university with the proposed
solution so users can choose the service from the landing page once
they access from anywhere in the campus or other buildings such as
APIIT.
Put to Another Use The proposed solution can be used also to monitor traffic and user’s
session.
Eliminate Instead of allocating the same speed for the users, different rates and
quote can be assigned based on the service fees that is paid using
APcard rather than buying the vouchers using cash.
Reverse Buying more bandwidth to satisfy the users need and provide
vouchers in stores to be bought by users in cash.

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2.2.1 Evaluation:

SCAMPER has many advantages over many other techniques as it combines all the
outcomes in a simple way through asking pre-defined questions for each word. This helps to carry
out a great outcome which has all the solution features specifically. Substituting can be replacing
the normal payment method with a more advanced way which is the APcard. Another point is to
combine the exiting network infrastructure system of the university with the proposed solution
where high-speed access is high priority. Also, adopt the environment in a way that can be usable
and modify the current portal system of the university with the proposed solution so users can
choose the service. Besides, eliminate the function where all users are assigned the same
bandwidth or reverse the whole point by buying more bandwidth and use the cash method of
getting the payment.

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BM006-3-2CRI Individual Assignment

Part 3:
3.1 Visuals of the product concept:

- Login Page:

The first step in the proposed solution is to login in the network using the student’s TP
number. Once they have access to the network, the login page will be directed as the first page.

Figure shows the login page of the system (Abdurraouf,2018)

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BM006-3-2CRI Individual Assignment

-The portal page:

Once users have successfully logged into the system, the portal page will be displayed
which has the proposed plans or services, so users can choose which plan would like to use. There
are three different plans or services which are:

1. The basic one which is same as the exiting service the university provides.
2. The second plan is the affordable one in which high speed internet access with
unlimited bandwidth is provided, yet, there is time allocation.
3. The last one is the pro plan which has the features of the affordable one, however,
there is no time limitation or restriction.

Plans Choosing the plan and do the payment using APcard

Figure shows the portal page (Abdurraouf,2018)

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In-service:

If there is a sufficient amount on the APcard, users will be accessed and get the benefit of
the service. Besides, some details are shown in the seasion page such as the IP address, used
bandwidth, the duration, subscribe type, the paid amount and the current amount of the APcard.

Figure shows the details page (Abdurraouf,2018)

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3.2 Opening:

APU high speed Internet access is a proposed solution to provide a reliable and high rate
internet access to boost up the university’s network infrastructure and provide high level of
facilities that will surely improve user experience in various aspects such as relying on a reliable
connection for accessing to the vast information on the internet. The service is being needed as
discussed in the problem statement since the number of students is increased in big way and the
demand of more bandwidth is raising. In addition, these factors can lead to a slow internet
connection performance and provide very poor user experience. The existing system of the
university does not have the feature of getting payment for such these providing high internet
connection with a pre-determined fee. In order to obtain that, a system which can manage the
bandwidth, restrict duration access and provide a high-speed internet access with affordable fees
which can be paid using APcard is needed. Yet, other vendor system does not have the function to
integrate with external system such as APcard.

3.3 Features:

The proposed solution can allocate high speed internet access “Bandwidth” to users based
on the plan they select while other systems cannot provide this feature as they only divide the
bandwidth for different users. Different plans are given with different features. The normal plan is
as same as the existing system features such as provide a static rate without any load balancing
and it is free. The second plane is the affordable plane where a high internet rate is provided with
time allocation and a fee that needs to be paid using APcard. The last one is the pro plan where
high bandwidth assigned without time restriction and with slightly different fee. In addition, the
payment method relays only on the APcard. Balance the load among users and analyze the user’s
sessions are another feature.

3.4Function:

The key functionality of the service is to allow users to obtain a high-speed internet access
and add a new payment method on the current system which is the APcard system to get the

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payment. Moreover, to monitor the network performance analyze the traffic and maintain the
user’s session details.

3.5 Technologies:

The service uses several technologies to make the system works. Traffic Shaping is used
to form the traffic for users so different bandwidth can be assigned and in this case, more
bandwidth is given the highest priority for the high-speed internet access service. Scheduling
Algorithm is used to allocate different time for users and congestion avoidance is used to queue
the traffic accordingly so no congestion occurs. Python programming language is used since it
well-known for its simplicity and great capabilities regarding networking field (Pynettwb-tech,
2018). And SNMP3 is used to monitor the network and analyze the traffic and load balancing
technology where the load is divide between the network infrastructure.

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Part 4
4. Market Identification

4.1 Price:

The price was carefully considered as the huge market’s competitors. The normal speed
internet access would remain free as it is, yet, the high-speed service would be charged with an
affordable fee. The services come with two different plans which are the affordable plan with
RM3.99 only and the pro plan with RM4.99 per day.

4.2 Product/Package:

The product comes with a high-speed internet access, unlimited bandwidth allocation and
either with allocated time or with unlimited duration. The system is accessed using TP numbers
and the payment is done through APcards.

4.3 Place:

The product is mainly used in Asia Pacific University with its all branches such as APIIT,
APLC which are located in Malaysia. The head office is located in Kuala Lumpur, yet, the product
can be utilized in the overseas branches as it is a virtual concept and need to be installed only.

4.4 Promotion:

The is no promotion available for this period as the fees are considered less compared to the
market. Yet, this may be considered in the nearby future.

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Part 5:
5.Idea Evaluation:
5.1 SWOT analysis:

SWOT Analysis is a process that identifies the product strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities and threats. It is a scientific structure that estimates what the system is able to do
and not by using expected data to evaluate the situation of an organization. (Mindtools.com,
2016).

Strengths: Weakness:

-The system can be integrated with APcard system. -There is a charged fee to use the service while
- Simple interface and easy to use. users can use the normal access without any
- No existing services in the place. charge.
- Provide multiple function in one system such as - Compete with other vendors such as Cell phone
time and bandwidth allocation, network monitoring planes.
and getting payment. - Only language interface accessibility.

Opportunities: Threats:

-Provide more planes. -The university does not agree to implement the
-Use the proposed system in other places and proposed solution.
enterprises. -System failures and down times.
-Users does not see the need of the system.

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5.2 Evaluation matrix:

Scope - Students Lecturers Staff (Admin other CTI Total

departments) out
Element
of
100
Bandwidth 20 20 20 10 70
allocation
Time allocation 10 10 10 5 35
Payment through 25 25 25 5 80
APcard
Network monitoring 5 5 5 25 45
details
Total out of 100 60 60 60 45

It can be said based on the survey, the proposed solution can be useful for students, lectures
and staff. Yet, CTI of the university will not get the most useful points of the system. In addition,
high bandwidth allocation and payment though APcard got a high percentage which implies the
need of the system. Yet, time allocation and network monitoring details got a low percentage by
all users.

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6. References and Appendix:

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Apu.edu.my. (2018). (APU). [online] Available at: http://www.apu.edu.my/ [Accessed 23

Apr. 2018].

Antamedia. (2018). Bandwidth Manager | Network Bandwidth Control. [online]

Available at: https://www.antamedia.com/bandwidth-manager/ [Accessed 7 May 2018].

BLËSK network monitoring. (2018). About BLËSK - BLËSK network monitoring.

[online] Available at: http://www.blesk.ca/propos-de-blesk/ [Accessed 9 May 2018].

iMindMap, 2017. How to Mind Map. [Online]

Available at: https://imindmap.com/how-to-mind-map/
[Accessed 25 August 2017].

Mindtools.com. (2016). SCAMPER: Improving Products and Services. [online]

Available at: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCT_02.htm [Accessed 9 May 2018].

Pynet.twb-tech.com. (2018). Python for Network Engineers. [online] Available at:

https://pynet.twb-tech.com/ [Accessed 10 May 2018].

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