Customer Reviews

TCP/IP JumpStart: Internet Protocol Basics

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

In the past year since I began studying for my Networking certifications I have read dozens of books about computers and networking. Some were childishly simplistic and others were mind numbingly technical. What impressed me about TCP/IP Jumpstart by Andrew G Blank is that it took a relatively complicated subject and broke it down so that it was very understandable and easy to learn from. I was especially impressed by the section on Custom Subnetting. I have seen this topic explained some half dozen ways and have never really got a grasp on it until now. Mr. Blank had a simple and easy to use method of creating custom subnets that was beautifully explained. I finally get it!!! I am confidant that I can do it without having to recreate a complicated chart or do tons of calculations. Another thing that made this book so enjoyable was all of the illustrations the author used to relate the way things worked to real life experiences like mailing a package or a telephone call. It really brought what goes on in the secretive world of computers to life so that I can now picture in my mind what happens when computers communicate. When I pass my Cisco exam I will have TCP/IP Jumpstart by Andrew G. Blank to thank for teaching me to custom subnet.

I found TCP/IP JumpStart very helpful on a topic that is new to me. Computer networking field is a new topic that adds dimension to my portfolio. Andrew Blank has a wonderful way of teaching so a novice can understand yet an intermediate doesn't get bored. He brings examples and illustrations to the text enabling you to understand or actually visualize the technology concept. TCP/IP JumpStart brings technology into terms for beginners, also more advanced students can collect new ideas and concepts. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is about to take a class or would like to learn about TCP/IP. This is a book that I can highly recommend to anyone.

I am enjoying this book. It is helping me to brush up on my TCP/IP skills. The writer does a good job to relate the protocol without making it too simple. The only thing I would like is more coverage of subnetting. I am not saying it is not covered well but it would be nice to have more subnetting practice questions. As most people know that is showing up more and more on certification tests

On its back cover, TCP/IP JumpStart promises to demystify "TCP/IP's complex topics" and give budding IT professionals the tools they need to build their careers "on a solid foundation". Unlike many computer books in print, this one actually delivers.

The first few chapters of the book contain exactly what anyone reading this might expect to find in a book about TCP/IP: the nuclear threat history, the OSI and DOD models, the essentials of IP addressing, and so on. These lessons are written in a clear and easy to follow (if unexceptional) way, punctuated by useful illustrations done in the hackneyed style popular in computer books from the mid-to-late 1980s. (This is not meant to be harsh criticism... I've just read way too many computer books). Then, unexpectedly, somewhere around chapter seven, something magical happens.

Chapter 8: a discussion of subnet masks that explains the subject as effortlessly as my favorite professor. Chapter 9: a brilliant summary of name resolution. 10, 11, DNS, WINS... I'm starting to like the cartoons... OH, OK, NOW I GET IT! The book ends with an excellent chapter on IPng, which outlines the essentials of 128-bit addressing better than anything I've ever read (I only wish more was said on how proxies and NAT are effectively postponing the inevitable).

In summary, anyone considering a career in networking should get a copy of this book, be they a Cisco Academy student or a hardware tech that only gets to bring the sysadmin his coffee. My only complaint (and the reason for my four-star rating) is that there were a few errors in the answers to the review questions; this is an unforgivable sin for any book designed to eliminate the need for classroom instruction. (To Mr. Blank's and Sybex's credit, there is errata online at sybex.com - search for 2644). When this book gets reprinted, I'll give it six stars!

This book is great if you are looking for an explanation of subnetting, something which is hard to find. If you are looking for such an explanation, BUY THIS BOOK!
Since I'm not a complete novice in the networking world, I found most of this book to be "fluff", but there was some useful information. If you prefer a book that is to the point, without silly analogies, this is not the book for you.

I am one of many who is in the process of changing careers - by this I mean from dead-end, to IT, with its seemingly endless potential. I have purchased many books, and I must say this is one of the best for a beginner. With its down to earth explainations, and real world examples, it makes conceptualizing TCP/IP much easier.
If you are a total neophyte to networking, grab Networking for Dummies, of something of its ilk, first, then this one for sure.

Tcp/Ip JumpStart is a GREAT book for the beginning IT specialist.Andrew Blank has a very good way of presenting the facts in a very basic, but intricate way. The explanations and examples make this book not just fun to read but also very educational.TCP/IP JumpStart is not only for those who have little experience, but also for those who have intermediate experience.Once your done with this book see your questions will be answered and feeling very comfortable with the topics.This is a must have book

The TCP/IP JumpStart: Internet Protocol Basics Book is an excellent book. It describes every detail in detail. I know that sentence sounds odd. But, let me reword it. For example, every part of internet protocol basic is described in detail for you to be able to understand. I have a lot of history with computer and technology and to me, this book was a piece of cake to read. So what I think is to someone who has little to no experience with TCP/IP then this book should be fairly easy to read and understand. This book may also help you to do well in your interviews.

The book arrived on time, in great condition, just as any customer would want and expect. So, I was very happy!

When it came to explaining things, I liked the book. I though it did a very good job of making complicated concepts very basic and easy to understand.

Unfortunate, what I gained in clarity in the author's analogies was lost when he started to give actual examples with numbers in them.

For example, page 161 where he is giving an example on sub net masks. The example starts by stating "10001001101 is the binary representation of 1,102 = 11 bits are needed in the subnet mask." That is not correct 1,102 = 10001001110. So does that mean since the last bit is zero that only 10 bits are needed? - or do we still need 11 bits? - examples should help clarify the point, not add to the confusion.

Another example is on page 97. It gives a formula to figure out the number of available networks in a network class - and using this formula it would mean a Class A network would have 2^7 networks (8 bits minus 1 because the first bit is zero to designate it a Class A) which equals 128. But his summary chart on that same page says 126 - and just a few pages before (page 93) he walks you through an detailed example of how many networks are in a class A, but he gives you an answer of 127. So what is right? 126, 127 or 128?

Are you confused, because by the time I was done reading just two chapters I was. Unfortunately, the book is riddled with these inconsistencies. If you are new to TCP IP, have a need to understand network addressing and are only going to get one book, this is not the one.