LAN Switching First-Step [Paperback]

Matthew J Castelli (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 18, 2004

Your first step into the world of LAN switching

• No LAN switching experience required
• Includes clear and easily understood explanations
• Makes learning easy

Your first step to LAN switching begins here!

• Learn local-area network (LAN) key concepts and terminology
• Identify key issues involved with designing and managing a switched LAN
• Answer the question: do I need a hub, a bridge, or a switch?

Welcome to the world of LAN switching!

Network switches work by connecting network paths together and making intelligent decisions about moving traffic in a network. By keeping track of changes in the network, switches reduce congestion and improve speed.

No LAN switching experience needed!

LAN Switching First-Step explains the basics of LAN switching in easy-to-grasp language that all of us can understand. This book takes you on a guided tour of the key concepts behind how bridges and switches work. Whether you are looking to take your first step into a career in networking or are interested in just gaining a conversational knowledge of the technology, this book is for you!

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Matthew J. Castelli is the deputy network and secure solutions program and product manager with EDS on the Navy/Marine Corps Intranet program, specializing in the U.S. Navy's classified network. Over the past 16 years, Matthew has worked in networks of all sizes, including small-, medium-, large-, and very large-scale local-area network (LAN) and wide-area network (WAN) switched and routed internetworks.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Cisco Press (July 18, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587201003
• ISBN-13: 978-1587201004
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #681,587 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I am the author..., June 6, 2007

By 

Matthew Castelli (Fredericksburg, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: LAN Switching First-Step (Paperback)

...and I apologize to those who were not happy with this book. This book had such promise when it started but at some point an author loses control of the final product even though it's their name on the cover. The editing and editorial process of this book was such a horrific experience (keep in mind this was my 3rd book with these publishers) that it has turned me off from doing any future work with this organization. This book was written during a "changing of the guard" at the publisher's and it showed in how the author(s), and their work, is treated. It is sad, if not heartbreaking, but when content is sacrificed because the editorial staff does not listen to the author the result is sadly self-evident.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars LAN Switching First-Step, February 22, 2005

By 

H. Tran - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: LAN Switching First-Step (Paperback)

I bought Lan Switching first-step and Computer Networking First-Step (by Wendell Odom) at the same time. I found that every single page written by Mr. Odom very refreshing, easy to read and understand. I only have to read what Mr. Odom say once to understand the concept.

On the contrary, I have to read 60 percent to what Mr. Catelli say at least 3 times and still do not feel that I understand what he said. Mr. Catelli teaching style and writting is very confusing to me.

Henry Tran.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a fantastic intro to learning how a Switch works, May 25, 2009

By 

Pen Name "whiteaura" (milpitas, ca USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: LAN Switching First-Step (Kindle Edition)

I took a Cisco Switch course in college. The college course bull dozes into levels that I'm not prepared for. I read this book and I wish this book was around to help me ease into what Switches are conceptually. This book is perfect for getting the birds eye view without getting overwhelmed into Switch geek speak. If you are just looking to get your feet wet, I LOVE THIS BOOK. After reading this book, my light just turned on what the difference is between a Layer3 Switch vs Router. I GET IT! (now). If you need a high level view at 30,000 feet this is the book! I understand the difference between a Bridge and a Layer2 Switch, now. The VLAN chapter was beauty in its simplicity.. I understand what VLAN tagging and VTP is, now. The way the book lays it out is for the layman not the nerdy expert. If you are in Marketing and need a conceptual overview on this device, this book is gentle enough to learn a lot.


If you are into geek speak and need a reference book, this is not the book for you. If you need a step-by-step configuration book, this is not the book for you. If you need a *FIRST STEP* book that explains things conceptually before jumping into advance details, this book is perfect:-)