Technical and Security Basis of Designing Free and Paid Wi-Fi Networks in University Dormitories

The technical, organizational, and information security aspects of providing free and paid Wi-Fi services in university dormitories are analyzed. The study is conducted using the EduWiFi system implemented in a dormitory of the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek as a case study. The research examines the importance of providing internet access in university dormitories in Uzbekistan, limitations on students' ability to enter into individual contracts with internet service providers due to dormitory buildings being registered under a legal entity, and insufficient wireless network coverage when only one Wi-Fi router is installed on each floor. Within the EduWiFi system, the number and placement of access points are determined based on criteria for ensuring reliable signal coverage in every room. User identification, billing, monitoring, VLAN segmentation, and network security requirements are also considered. The scientific novelty of the study lies in examining dormitory Wi-Fi networks as an integrated system that combines coverage planning, the development of free and paid service plans, and mechanisms for isolation from the university's internal network, taking into account the legal conditions of Uzbekistan. The findings indicate the feasibility of organizing Wi-Fi services in university dormitories using professional access points, network segmentation, and information security policies rather than relying solely on conventional routers. As a result, a managed, secure, legally grounded, and scalable Wi-Fi service model is proposed that can be adapted for dormitories at other higher education institutions.