Community-centred network management for community wireless networks (CWNs)

Iitumba, Ndinelao

Community-centred network management for community wireless networks (CWNs)

Thesis / Dissertation

2024

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Computer Science

Faculty

Faculty of Science

Abstract

Community wireless networks (CWNs) have emerged as a viable solution for addressing connectivity challenges in remote areas by fostering resource shar ing and local infrastructure management. The complexity of technical network management hinders the sustainability of CWNs, despite their significance in connecting underserved communities. Advancements in deployment have not fully addressed the ongoing reliance on external expertise for maintenance, pos ing a significant challenge. Training, while a potential solution, proves costly and faces difficulties in ensuring long-term self-sufficiency among community members. This dissertation aims to contribute to the sustainability of CWNs by identifying the challenges faced by local network operators and simplifying the technical network management process. Drawing from the literature on In formation and Communication Technologies for Development (ICT4D), which emphasises designing with and for communities, an investigation into CWN management interfaces was conducted. This research employed a community co-design approach, focusing on CWNs in South Africa and India, to identify the challenges and needs of community wireless network local operators. Uti lizing contextual inquiry, semi-structured interviews, co-design workshops, and observations, qualitative data on the current challenges faced by CWN man agement tools was gathered. Through workshops and prototyping sessions with stakeholders in India and South Africa, network operators and users were en gaged to reimagine and co-design Network Management Interfaces (NMIs) that empower local network operators to monitor and manage their networks effec tively, thereby reducing dependency on external support. Findings highlight diverse network management approaches, revealing difficulties in technical ca pacity building, troubleshooting, and prototyping. Designing NMIs with local network operators' insights and skills is crucial for CWN sustainability. This dissertation outlines design opportunities to improve network management in terfaces for CWNs, fostering network resilience for critical infrastructures.