Uyless Black has written 35 books on computer networks. He was one of the first writers to publish a book on Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and related Internet protocols. His book Voice over IP (VoIP) remains a best seller in the field of data communications texts. Uyless has many years of experience as a programmer and in creating and managing data communications networks.

His educational credentials include a B.S. from the University of New Mexico, an M.S. in computer systems from the American University, and a graduate degree from Rutgers’ Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

Introduction

This book provides a reference guide for anyone who wants to get up to speed on computer network concepts and networking technologies. Because each piece of networking hardware and software operates differently, it would require a book the size of the New York City white pages to cover all aspects of the subject. Thus, this book concentrates on fundamental concepts. Emphasis is placed on understanding how the major components of a computer network function and how to use proven practices to deploy, upgrade, and maintain the network.

What’s New in This Edition

This book has been overhauled for this Fourth Edition, including scores of references to commercial products and websites. New coverage has been added related to Microsoft Windows Server software. Updated information on the Linux platform and wide area networks (WANs) is also included. The wireless material on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth has been updated and expanded. As well, the latest Internet security protocols have been added to Hour 20, “Security.”

Organization of This Book

The book is divided into six parts. Each part provides a body of information that covers a specific area pertaining to computer networks.

• Part I, “What Is Networking?,” introduces networking, including an overview of the primary components of computer networks. This part explains the broader issues of how hardware and software function to support the interworking of computers, servers, routers, and other devices.
• Part II, “The Basics,” focuses on the concepts underlying data networks. We examine how packet-switching operates and look at the operations of local area networks (LANs) and WANs. This part discusses computer network protocols and explains a widely used conceptual model that depicts how a sending computer transfers data to a receiving computer. Because of the impact and importance of wireless networks, the hour on this topic has been moved from Part VI (of the previous edition) to this part of the book.
• Part III, “Building Networks,” walks you through the process of planning and building a network from conception to implementation. Issues related to planning network capacity, creating the network, and then connecting to the Internet are included as part of the discussion. For this latter discussion, the information of TCP/IP and related, supporting protocols has been expanded.
• Part IV, “Network Operating Systems,” provides an overview of network operating systems, the major network servers, and Microsoft Windows Server 2003/2008, UNIX, and Linux.
• Part V, “Network Administration,” examines the issues related to administering a network. This part includes discussions on both troubleshooting and management.
• Part VI, “The Future of Networking,” examines future possible implementations of wireless technology, operating systems, and other aspects of networking. This part discusses the issues related to the future of Linux, the emerging network “cloud,” nationwide wireless hotspots, and the extraordinary field of protein-based computers.

For these 24 hours, you will be the designer of a computer network, as well as its implementer. After you have successfully created a plan for the system, you will undo the shrink-wrap and assemble the components. Next, you will take over the role of the network administrator and make sure the users are happy with your creation. Don’t worry—you’ve been blessed with a competent project team; you can delegate a lot of the work to them.

Conventions Used in This Book

Each hour starts with “What You’ll Learn in This Hour,” which is a brief list of bulleted points highlighting the hour’s contents. A summary concluding each hour provides similar though more detailed insight reflecting what you should have gained from the hour.

This book has several unique elements to help you as you’re learning networking. Throughout the book, you’ll see the following elements:

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Did You Know? - This element offers advice or teaches an easier way to do something.

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By the Way? - This element provides additional information that’s directly related to the surrounding discussion.

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Watch Out - This element advises you about potential problems and helps you steer clear of disaster.

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I look forward to hearing your comments about this book and learning about your ideas. Please feel free to communicate with me at UylessBlack. com.

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