Computer Networking

Computer Networkingis a comprehensive introduction to the rapidly changing world of wired and wireless computer interconnection. Designed as an introductory course in networking, the book is also an excellent reference source. It is easy to understand and contains an extensive glossary, acronym list, and index, which makes finding material on particular topics easy. The book is targeted for the individual who has little background in networking, other than what can be gained by reading business and popular press or by using a PC at home, school, or work. This text neither assumes nor expects that the reader has a background in programming or advanced computer technology. OBJECTIVES The specific objectives of the text are: to provide comprehensive coverage for a first course in networking; to place emphasis on the basic principles and concepts of networking, those that don't change or change very little as technology advances and implementations become more sophisticated and specialized; to highlight networking standards that have become important in this field; to provide networking theory illustrated by real-world examples; to be appropriate for use at all levels, including community colleges, universities, and technical schools; to serve as a reference for people working in industry; and to be easy for the reader to understand. ORGANIZATION Computer Networkingis organized into five sections that group topics for ease of teaching and learning. Part One presents introductory material that lays the foundation and provides a framework for the more detailed material in subsequent chapters. Chapter 1 introduces the subject matter and provides an overview of networking concepts. Chapter 2 describes and illustrates several ways of classifying networks, many of which will already be familiar to readers. Chapter 3 introduces and explains the OSI model for networks and the TCP/IP architecture that is the foundation of the Internet and many contemporary networks. The importance of network standards is also explained, and the need for both network architectures and standards is discussed. Chapter 4 introduces protocols, the "rules of the road" for networks. The need for protocols is explained, and the basic components that make up a protocol are examined. Part Two delves into the fundamental technology that underlies all telecommunications and networking, and provides the technical foundation for networks. Chapter 5 examines how data are coded for transmission on a network. Readers learn the requirements for a good coding system and the reasons certain codes are more appropriate than others for use on telecommunications networks. Chapter 6 describes analog and digital signals, transmission methods, and the way they are combined in various network systems. Four cases are studied: transmitting analog signals on analog circuits; analog signals on digital circuits, digital signals on analog circuits, and digital signals on digital circuits. The reasons why digital transmission is superior to analog transmission are explained. Chapter 7 describes the protocols that are used on data links. Several protocols are examined in detail, and many more are introduced. Both LAN and WAN protocols are emphasized. Chapter 8 examines the media used for circuits that make up a network. The attributes of each medium are studied and compared, and the advantages and disadvantages of selecting one medium over another for a particular application are studied and discussed. Chapter 9 describes communications circuits. Various types of analog and digital circuits are studied. Circuit switching, packet switching, and multiplexing are explained. The types of errors that can occur on a circuit and the way in which errors are detected and corrected are examined in detail. Part Three examines networks in detail. LANs are studied first, followed by WRowe, Stanford H. is the author of 'Computer Networking', published 2004 under ISBN 9780130487377 and ISBN 0130487376.