Introduction to Computer Networking - Hardcover

Mansfield, Kenneth C.; Antonakos, James L.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 013079693X ISBN 13: 9780130796936

Publisher: Pearson College Div, 2001

Synopsis

This book provides a detailed, yet straightforward approach to computer networking and troubleshooting--with an emphasis on real-world Windows network environments. “Joe Tekk” situational examples show how a network technician performs real-world network troubleshooting and maintenance. An accompanying CD-ROM provides examples. Using the Instructional System. Laboratory Familiarization. Electrical and Mechanical Safety. Microcomputer Familiarization. What Is a Computer Network? Network Topology. Networking Hardware. The TCP/IP Protocols. IPX/SPX. AppleTalk, and Other Protocols. Routing Protocols. Network Applications. The Internet. Network Scenarios. An Introduction to Telecommunication. An Introduction to Networking with Windows. Windows NT Domains. Writing a Network Application. Novell Netware. For computer technicians and others interested in the intricacies and troubleshooting of computer networking.

About this title

From the Back Cover

An Introduction to Computer Networking explains the mystery behind computer networks. It covers hardware and software components, the services networks provide, how they connect with other networks, network design and implementation, various network operating systems, and how to troubleshoot and solve network problems. Each exercise contains a lab activity to reinforce the concepts presented. Real-world examples, troubleshooting techniques, and the social aspects of networking are presented.

A CD containing LanExplorer®, a protocol analyzer, and other useful network applications and files is packaged with the book. Also included is a networking poster providing many useful details concerning the world of networking.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Computer networks are everywhere. They span the globe, interconnecting with each other, weaving a web of communication that extends outward to the domain of satellites orbiting above the earth. They fail, they heal themselves, they move staggering amounts of information between distant locations. They are in our schools, our businesses, even our homes.

The purpose of this textbook is to explain the mystery behind the computer network, its hardware and software components, how it connects with other networks, the services it provides, network design and implementation, and how network problems can be solved. This book is suitable for students in computer engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, networking technology, and telecommunications technology programs.

Concepts and techniques are presented through actual real-world examples (such as examining all the packets captured while loading a web page or sending e-mail). A protocol sniffer/ analyzer called LanExplorer is included on the companion CD-ROM that provides a detailed text and graphical interface into the world of networking. LanExplorer is capable of disassembling captured packets to examine every portion of the protocol embedded in the packet.

Where it is appropriate, the Internet is used to explain a new network service or mechanism. This includes heavy use of various sites located on the World Wide Web. In Part III, many of the networking concepts covered in Part II are put to use in several network client-server applications, including a virtual reality network maze game (NetMaze), Java applets, and CGI programming examples.

The social aspects of using computer networks in our everyday lives, and their technical challenges, are illustrated through the exploits of Joe Tekk, a fictitious network technician working at a fictitious software company called RWA Software. Joe encounters the successes and failures commonly associated with computer networks and their operation and also interacts with many different individuals regarding their networking experiences. Students are encouraged to consider the social implications of computer networking whenever possible.

OUTLINE OF COVERAGE

The textbook is divided into four parts.

Part I: Network Hardware

The basics of computer networking are presented, with a quick overview of network protocols and history. Networking hardware, topology, and technology (particularly Ethernet) are covered in detail.

Part II: Network Protocols

Wide coverage is provided on many of the typical hardware and software protocols employed in computer networks. These include the popular TCP/IP suite of protocols, the mechanics of switching and routing, network management and security, and the IEEE 802 standards.

Part III: Network Applications

The principles of operation behind many everyday networking applications are presented in this part, including e-mail, FTP, streaming audio and video, and the Internet browser. A working client-server network game (NetMaze) is presented as an example of network programming with Windows sockets.

Part IV: Network Operating Systems

This part covers the networking components of the Windows network operating systems (particularly NT Server). The operation of a network domain is examined, as are the details of file and printer sharing, dial-up networking, and setting up a network server.

The chapters in each part all have the same format. Each chapter begins with a short example of why the material is applicable to computer networking. Joe Tekk, a fictitious employee, is typically used to convey the problem or situation, as shown below.

Joe Tekk has just been hired by RWA Software as its new network technician. His manager was impressed during Joe's job interview by the fact that Joe had read RWA's company literature before the interview. When asked why, Joe said, "I like to be prepared, to know in advance what to expect of a situation."

Every chapter starts with performance objectives, which indicate what new skills and knowledge will be learned in the course of completing the chapter. The instructor will usually administer the requirements of the performance objectives.

The main section of each chapter presents all the information needed to perform the exercises and pass the review quiz. This section, which is usually the longest section in the chapter, contains important and detailed information.

The next section of each chapter contains a troubleshooting area. Tips, techniques, and actual problems and their solutions are presented.

Next is the self-test section to help the student verify understanding of the material covered in the chapter. The self-test is divided into several types of test questions: True/False, Multiple Choice, Completion, and Open-Ended. This is done to make the test more interesting and more reflective of what needs to be reviewed, and to help present the different types of questions asked during job interviews. Answers to odd-numbered self-test questions are given at the end of the book.

The questions/activities section follows the self-test. This section contains questions about the chapter just completed and is designed to help reinforce important concepts picked up during the reading. There may be times when other activities are suggested, and the instructor may or may not assign them. These other activities usually include outside assignments to provide the opportunity to broaden understanding of the subject.

The last section, the review quiz, restates the performance objectives.

Following each chapter is the laboratory activity. This is the "hands-on" application of what was just learned. The activity is usually performed in the lab. However, the instructor may assign some activities as outside work. This is usually the case for chapters on software. For these chapters, the activity usually consists of a series of software interactions with a computer. These interactions can be performed as a homework assignment or in some other place, such as a computer room, that provides access to computers for all students.

A rich set of appendices provides details on numerous network-related topics, including telecommunications technology, modems, and on becoming network certified.

THE NETWORKING POSTER

The pull-out networking poster provides a summary of many different networking topics. Understanding what is featured on the networking poster is a good way to measure progress.

THE COMPANION CD-ROM

The companion CD-ROM included with the textbook contains useful example programs and files designed to aid the student in developing and understanding the concepts presented in each part.

A demonstration version of LanExplorer, also included on the companion CD-ROM, allows the student to begin capturing and examining packets right away. Visit www.sunrisetelecom.com for additional details or to download a newer version.

View the README document (text, Microsoft Word, and HTML formats) to get a detailed description of the companion CD-ROM.

An Instructor's Manual is also available to instructors, which includes solutions to selected text problems, teaching suggestions, sample course syllabi, and many other teaching aids.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank our editor, Charles Stewart, and his assistant, Mayda Bosco, for their encouragement and assistance during the development of this project. Thanks also go to our copyeditor, Julie Hotchkiss, and our production supervisor, Megan Smith-Creed, at Custom Editorial Productions, Inc.

We are very grateful to Angelito Sarmiento of Sunrise Telecom for providing the LanExplorer software included on the CD-ROM, as well as for permission to use the numerous screen shots of LanExplorer in action.

We also thank Andy Wolf at OSDN for allowing screenshots of the internettrafficreport.com website; Terri-Lyn Ross from SoftQuad for allowing screenshots of HoTMetaL; Liz Compton at AOL.com for allowing screenshots of Netscape and Instant Messenger; Mike Aalto at Ipswitch.com for allowing screenshots of WS FTP; Phil Zimmermann of MIT and Sandra Brooks of PGP Security for allowing screenshots of PGP; and K. Claffy for allowing screenshots of the CAIDA website (www.caida.org).

We deeply appreciate the advice and assistance of our good friend Jeff Hatala, especially his help with our initial CGI applications.

Last, we thank our reviewers, who provided many useful and constructive suggestions: Sami Al-Salman, DeVry Institute of Technology; Ron Buchalski, Cisco Systems, Inc.; Jeffrey Hatala, Broome Community College; James McGuffee, Austin Community College; Edward F. Mikulski, IBM Global Services, Network Outsourcing; Asad Yousuf, Savannah State University; and Jerome Zornesky, Technical Career Institutes.

Kenneth C. Mansfield Jr.
James L. Antonakos

Edition details

• Publisher: Pearson College Div
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 013079693X
• ISBN 13: 9780130796936
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 596