The subject of computer networking is enormously complex, involving many concepts, protocols, and technologies that are woven together in an intricate manner. To cope with this scope and complexity, many computer networking texts are often organized around the "layers" of a network architecture. With a layered organisation, students can see through the complexity of computer networking-they learn about the distinct concepts and protocols in one part of the architecture while seeing big picture of how all parts fit together. For example, many texts are organised around the seven-layer OSI architecture. From a pedagogical perspective our personal experience has been that such a layered approach to teaching is indeed highly desirable. Nevertheless, we have found the traditional approach of teaching bottom-up-that is, from the physical layer towards the application layer - is not the best approach for a modern course on computer networking.

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