Investigating the Impact of Edge Computing on Iot Network Bandwidth Utilization in Nigerian Telecommunication Networks

This study investigates the impact of Edge Computing on bandwidth utilization in Internet of Things (IoT)–driven Nigerian telecom networks. The rapid growth of IoT devices has significantly increased data traffic, placing substantial pressure on network bandwidth and leading to congestion, latency, and reduced service quality. This study therefore examined how edge computing can be leveraged to optimize bandwidth utilization and improve network performance within the Nigerian telecommunications sector. A correlational research design was adopted, utilizing both secondary and simulated datasets derived from telecom network performance indicators. Key variables included IoT data traffic, edge computing implementation, bandwidth utilization, and network performance indicators such as latency and data efficiency. Descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and multiple regression analysis were employed to analyze the data at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that IoT data traffic has a significant positive relationship with bandwidth utilization, indicating increased pressure on network resources. The study further found a significant negative relationship between edge computing implementation and bandwidth utilization, suggesting that edge computing reduces network load. Additionally, edge computing was found to have a significant positive effect on network performance, particularly in reducing latency and improving data transmission efficiency. The study concludes that while IoT expansion intensifies bandwidth demand, edge computing provides an effective solution for optimizing network performance in Nigerian telecom systems. It recommends increased investment in edge infrastructure, supportive regulatory policies, and the integration of bandwidth optimization techniques to enhance network efficiency.