Computer Networks: International Edition - Softcover

Tanenbaum, Andrew S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0133942481 ISBN 13: 9780133942484

Publisher: Pearson, 1996

Synopsis

Primarily intended for junior/senior or graduate level courses in computer networks, data networks, or distributed processing in CS or EE departments. Also useful (with selective omission of sections or chapters) for less advanced students.

This is the first book that explains how computer networks work inside, from the hardware technology up to and including the most popular Internet application protocols. While students are not expected to have a background in computer networks or advanced mathematics, a general background in computer systems and programming is assumed.

About this title

Review

Now in its third edition, Professor Andrew Tanenbaum's 800-page book is the classic treatise on computer networking. Since its inception, Computer Networks has been the all-time best-selling overview of computer networks by one of the key computer science authors. It's a complete guide to computer networking, covering everything from LANs to satellite networks. The seven-layer OSI model underpins all modern networking technologies and this standard work from the award-winning Professor Tanenbaum devotes most of its chapters to in-depth descriptions of each layer. Protocols, network architecture and software are examined in detail, from the physical layer, through the data link, network, transport, session and presentation layers to the application layer. This book dissects very difficult material with ease.

But Computer Networks isn't without its faults--an eternity in Internet time has elapsed since publication and the book is a little stale as a result. It's also very much a textbook and its layout looks very dated and scholarly--for example, each chapter concludes with a mass of sample questions.

Oft found in countless bibliographies and on the recommended reading list for IT and networking students, Computer Networks is nevertheless an excellent textbook and a good reference book. It's also one of the best-written and easy to read technical books around. For the IT student and networking professionals alike, it's probably essential reading. If you can afford only one networking book, this is the one you should get. --Roger Gann

From the Back Cover

Computer Networks is the ideal introduction to today's and tomorrow's networks. This classic best-seller has been totally rewritten to reflect the networks of the late 1990s and beyond.

Author, educator, and researcher Andrew S. Tanenbaum, winner of the ACM Karl V. Karlstrom Outstanding Educator Award, carefully explains how networks work inside, from the hardware technology up through the most popular network applications. The book takes a structured approach to networking, starting at the bottom (the physical layer) and gradually working up to the top (the application layer). The topics covered include:

• Physical layer (e.g., copper, fiber, radio, and satellite communication)
• Data link layer (e.g., protocol principles, HDLC, SLIP, and PPP)
• MAC Sublayer (e.g., IEEE 802 LANs, bridges, new high-speed LANs)
• Network layer (e.g., routing, congestion control, internetworking, IPv6)
• Transport layer (e.g., transport protocol principles, TCP, network performance)
• Application layer (e.g., cryptography, email, news, the Web, Java, multimedia)

In each chapter, the necessary principles are described in detail, followed by extensive examples taken from the Internet, ATM networks, and wireless networks.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pearson
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0133942481
• ISBN 13: 9780133942484
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 848