Research Article
Artificial Intelligence-Internet of Things Convergence in Hospitality: A Theoretical Approach on Smart Service Delivery and Customer Engagement
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-10
Received:
24 November 2025
Accepted:
6 December 2025
Published:
2 June 2026
Abstract: The rapid convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) is reshaping the hospitality industry by enabling intelligent, automated, and hyper-personalized service ecosystems. This study examines how the integration of AI and IoT—referred to as AIoT—enhances smart service delivery and strengthens customer engagement within hotels and related hospitality environments. The research explores key AI and IoT applications such as smart guest rooms, predictive maintenance, automated check-in systems, and personalized service recommendations, highlighting their impact on operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Findings indicate that AIoT-driven solutions not only streamline service processes but also create immersive, interactive experiences that increase convenience, engagement, and loyalty. Despite challenges related to security, cost, and technological integration, AIoT offers significant potential for transforming hospitality service models. The study concludes that embracing AI–IoT convergence is essential for hospitality organizations seeking competitive advantage in an increasingly digital and experience-driven marketplace.
Abstract: The rapid convergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) is reshaping the hospitality industry by enabling intelligent, automated, and hyper-personalized service ecosystems. This study examines how the integration of AI and IoT—referred to as AIoT—enhances smart service delivery and strengthens customer engagement with...
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Research Article
Enhancing Rwanda’s Telecommunications Infrastructure Through Software-Defined Networking and Network Function Virtualization: A Design Science Framework
Tuyikunde Osee*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
11-25
Received:
7 April 2026
Accepted:
16 April 2026
Published:
28 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.iotcc.20261401.12
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Abstract: Rwanda’s pursuit of a high-income, knowledge-based economy under Vision 2050 depends on scalable, resilient, and cost-efficient telecommunications infrastructure. Despite achieving near-universal 4G LTE population coverage (97–99%), a persistent usage gap — approximately 62% of the population remains unconnected — reveals that supply-side infrastructure alone is insufficient to bridge the digital divide. This paper investigates how Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) can serve as strategic enablers of telecommunications modernization in Rwanda, addressing the twin challenges of cost and operational complexity in a landlocked, resource-constrained environment. Employing a Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, this study evaluates Rwanda’s infrastructure readiness, identifies technical, economic, and regulatory barriers to SDN/NFV adoption, and proposes a context-adapted, phased deployment artifact the Frugal SDN/NFV Framework aligned with Rwanda’s ICT Sector Strategic Plan 2024–2029. The framework is supported by five formally specified mathematical optimization models: the Controller Placement Problem for Rwanda’s 30-district fiber topology, the VNF Resource Allocation mixed integer program, a Network Slice SLA Allocation model, a CAPEX/OPEX Net Present Value cost model, and a joint SDN-MEC task offloading optimization. Numerical projections derived from these models informed by comparable African SDN/NFV deployments including Safaricom Ethiopia’s 2022 greenfield virtualized network and MTN South Africa’s cloud-native 5G core suggest potential CAPEX reductions of 20–68% and OPEX reductions of 20–67%. The proposed three-phase roadmap (Pilot 2025–2026; Scale 2026–2028; Optimize 2028–2029) positions SDN/NFV as a leapfrogging catalyst for equitable digital growth, contributing the first academically grounded SDN/NFV deployment framework for an African national telecommunications network.
Abstract: Rwanda’s pursuit of a high-income, knowledge-based economy under Vision 2050 depends on scalable, resilient, and cost-efficient telecommunications infrastructure. Despite achieving near-universal 4G LTE population coverage (97–99%), a persistent usage gap — approximately 62% of the population remains unconnected — reveals that supply-side infrastru...
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