DESING AND IMPLENTATION OF GUEST WI-FI NETWORK WITH USAGE TIME LIMITS IN AN ACADEMIC LAB (A CASE STUDY OF SOT CENTRAL ICT LAB)

Wireless network access has become an essential resource in academic laboratories; however, uncontrolled access often leads to network congestion, misuse, and security challenges. This project presents the design and implementation of a guest Wi-Fi network with usage time limitation in an academic laboratory. The aim of the study is to provide temporary internet access for guests and students while ensuring effective control, security, and optimal utilization of network resources. The system is designed using a separate guest wireless network configured with a time-based access control mechanism. Users connect to the guest network through a captive portal where authentication is required before access is granted. Each user is assigned a predefined usage time, after which the system automatically terminates the connection. Network monitoring and bandwidth control techniques are also incorporated to prevent excessive usage and ensure fair distribution of network resources. The implementation of the proposed system demonstrates improved network management, enhanced security, and reduced unauthorized access within the academic laboratory environment. The results obtained show that the guest Wi-Fi network with usage time limitation is effective in controlling user access, minimizing network abuse, and maintaining stable network performance. This system is therefore recommended for academic institutions seeking secure and efficient wireless network management.