Customer Reviews

Switched, Fast, and Gigabit Ethernet (3rd Edition)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Switched, Fast, and Gigabit Ethernet has the potential to be an invaluable resource for anyone involved in networking who either currently uses or is contemplating changing to an Ethernet network. This book provides an enormous amount of information on existing and emerging Ethernet standards. Unfortunately, it is seriously flawed by too many incorrect and contradictory statements. If you already know enough about Ethernet to adjust for these errors, the book may be of only marginal value to you. For those trying to learn and understand all the variations of Ethernet, the errors can be very confusing and may lead to problems in networks they may be installing.

As an example, in the second paragraph on page 344, the authors discuss the characteristics of repeaters, noting that they "...regenerate weak incoming signals, thus extending the diameter of the network." They go on to state "In this way, repeaters are invisible to network events such as collisions, merely propagating them. Hence, a repeater cannot extend the collision domain of a network." Then in the second paragraph on page 346 they make the contradictory statement that "Because a repeater is a shared-media device and propagates all traffic, including collisions, however, it merely extends the collision domain of a network...". Then they go on to state that "A more powerful device, such as a bridge, router, or switch, is needed to extend the actual network diameter." in direct contradiction to the statement made on page 344.

One other example really stood out. In the first paragraph on page 440 they state "Because 1000BASE-LX Gigabit Ethernet over multiple-mode fiber is limited to 500M, you may need 100BASE-SX single-mode Gigabit Ethernet for especially long links. A 100BASE-LX Gigabit Ethernet switch with the capability to add a few 1000BASE-SX connections is the proper solution for this example." Referring to Table 6.11 on page 248-249, 1000BASE-LX has a maximum distance of 550M over either type of multi-mode fiber and up to 5,000M over single-mode fiber. Obvious contradictions are the references to 100BASE-SX ... Gigabit Ethernet and 100BASE-LX Gigabit Ethernet in this example. 100BASE Gigabit? Also, if 1000 is substituted for 100 in those two instances, no specification for short wavelength (SX), 850nm laser over single-mode fiber exists.

Although the examples cited above are two of the worst, they are by no means the only ones, the shear number of errors becomes very irritating. I would like to give this book a better rating, it probably does belong on the shelf of every network administrator or manager, but I am tired of giving a pass to flawed products because they do provide some significant benefit. For example: operating systems that are seriously flawed but we accept because they offer capabilities we want. One of the main problems I see in our current economy and society is the willingness of management to turn out products of mediocre quality, considering them good enough as long as they don't have a flaw that makes them completely unusable. Macmillan Technical Publishing states that their "goal is to create in-depth technical books of the highest quality and value." Is this really what they consider "highest quality"? If they clean up the errors and add more of the value that does exist in this book when they produce the Fourth Edition, I will give it SIX stars.

[note: this review appears in the June 1999 edition of SA Computer Magazine and is (c) 1999 DSBMedia (Pty) Ltd. Used with permission]

Ethernet - it's a breeze, right? Buy a couple of NE2000 clones and some cable, slot the RJ-45 plugs into a hub, configure the basic client software and you've got a network. Well, a small 10Base-T network may be this simple to set up and a real no-brainer to manage, but today's bandwidth-intensive applications often require something somewhat more sophisticated. When you have a few hundred users shoving large files all over the place (and, let's not forget, being connected to that network resource-hog the Internet), you need to get into hardcore, high-speed networking.

In the old days, networking was considered a Black Art, even by highly experienced IT people. There was a reason for this - networking really was a Black Art, practiced by a small clan of social misfits who probably drank squirrel blood in their spare time (actually, they probably read networking manuals, which was an activity roughly equivalent social unacceptability).

Then networks became a tad more mainstream. Networking products appeared with documentation that was in an almost recognisable dialect of English, and "intelligent" hardware meant that - as often as not - you really could plug and play. Indeed, you could implement a reasonably effective 50-user network without really understanding what the hell you were doing, and kid yourself you were a networking expert.

But now you need to move to the next level. And suddenly networking looks once again as if it's a Black Art. You start feeling as if it might be easier to decipher Minoan Linear A script than to grasp why your Ethernet performance is unnecessarily degraded.

You need this book. Its subtitle tells us it's about "understanding, building, and managing high-performance Ethernet networks". And that's a pretty good description of what you'll be able to do if you read it from cover to cover and inwardly digest its contents (a remarkably straightforward process thanks to a clear and coherent writing style).

Opening with a history of Ethernet that does an invaluable job of placing the current technologies in a meaningful context, the book goes on to cover every imaginable aspect of something which can involve far more complexity than you might possibly imagine. For example: I, for one, might have scoffed at the idea of reading 60-odd pages just on cabling. Until I read them, that is.

Simple, hub-based 10Base-T Ethernet really is a no-brainer these days, and the authors waste no time on it. However, once you start adding bridges or switches into the equation it takes a quantum leap in complexity. And that's where this book really gets going. Then you start analysing bandwidth requirements and the need (or otherwise) for high-speed technologies ranging from the now-standard 100Base-T to Level 3 switching and 1000Base-T gigabit Ethernet, and you begin to realise that all 618 pages of this book are used to the full.

Although the authors are obviously experts in high-speed networking, they are not seduced by the argument that faster is necessarily better. They recognise that slower (and therefore cheaper) technologies make sense if that's all you need. And for the budget-constrained South African market that is an essential approach. They also have no compunction about weighing up the pros and cons of high-speed Ethernet versus competing technologies (such as ATM). This clear-headedness is what gives the book much of its merit.

Add the comprehensive nature of the data it contains, and this book becomes an essential purchase for anyone who needs to know about networking in the modern world. Whether you're a network manager with performance issues to deal with, or a wannabe MCSE aiming to go out into the big wide world of consulting, you'll find something in here for you.

I was really pleased with both the information containted in this book as well as the manner in which it was presented. This book's organization makes it great for a "cover-to-cover" read (on a VERY long weekend!) or for a quick reference check.

If I could only have one Ethernet book on my shelf, this would be it.

As someone designing a network upgrade, this book provides the detail I need. In several sections, a flowchart provided clear direction on what decision might be best for me and why. The authors are biased towards Cisco products ("the 7500 series would work very well in this situation") and don't mention enough competitive products. In summary, this book is probably targeted to LANS with either < 40 users or > 200.

This book taught me more about Ethernet - particularly Gigabit Ethernet - than I thought was possible to learn. It is technical but clear, conversational but detailed and thorough. Unlike other books whose authors claim to be objective, these writers are openly and unabashedly Ethernet "bigots" (to use their word). You may not agree with everything they say, but you have to take them seriously.

Breyer and Riley have a rare combination of talents: extensive technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate their knowledge in an entertaining and informative style. First rate.

I used this book for my CCIE exam preparation. I have zillion other titles on Ethernet and switching. Excellent repeat Excellent Book. Not only is the book well presented but also well structured. I agree with the reader who said in his review, "if there is just one ethernet book u'll ever buy, make sure this IS it!"

Most of this book was fun to read. It filled in a lot of gaps in my knowledge about Ethernet. The book covers exactly how Ethernet works, and some of the politics behind why it works the ways it does. (Ethernet has a facinating history.) This isn't the book to buy if you are just starting with networking, but I think should be read by every CNE and MCSE who uses Ethernet. (Some of the material DID helped when I took the Cisco CCNA exam!) This is the only source book I've found on nearly every flavor of Ethernet. I think there may be a few minor errors, and of course given the speed at which the industry changes some of the details on Gigabit Ethernet are a little dated. I do look forward to the fourth edition.

Good technical reference for the working engineer, sales consultant or lecturing personel alike. To any serious sales consultant or corporate engineer involved in a medium to large network management or development, this book is a must. Breyer's authority in ethernet goes way back and includes his involvement at the development stage of intel's release of the market's first 10/100 autosensing nic. JP Intel Certified Instructor - Networking

Very clearly written, very accurate, and the chapters are wel divided between the bookparts for study and for later reference. I am using this book as a help for more real-world Ethernet knowledge after my 12 mcp exams. Watch out, MS networking essentials is easy compared to this one. But the superb writing from the authors eases the pain. Only 1 or 2 times a little too much heavy and boring in about 600+ pages!!! That's a record in 1 year study of 30 books. Using it as starter and refresh after NETess to CCNA.

What a great book. I can't believe I've found such a treasure. I've often thought I'd like to write a book - and this is the book I'd like to have written. So I can rest peacefully now knowing that it's already been done.

If you need to know the REAL truth about Ethernet, as opposed to the many marketing myths that tend to mystify managers, then get it sorted out here. This book tells it all - Layer 2 switching, Layer 3 switching, ATM vs Gigabit Ethernet and more. Although I can't agree with all their predictions and conclusions (especially re ATM), they give unashamedly biased views on where they see the future running, and back their assertions with hard facts.

Ideal for technically minded managers and a "must have" for industry field engineers and trainers.