Computer Networks and Internets

Computer Networks and Internets is appropriate for all introductory-to-intermediate courses in computer networking, the Internet, or Internet applications; readers need no background in networking, operating systems, or advanced mathematics.

Leading networking authority Douglas Comer presents a wide-ranging, self-contained tour of the concepts, principles, and technologies that enable today’s Internet to support applications ranging from web browsing to telephony and multimedia. This Fifth Edition has been thoroughly reorganized, revised, and updated: it includes extensive new coverage of topics ranging from wireless protocols to network performance, while reducing or eliminating coverage of older protocols and technologies. Comer begins by illuminating the applications and facilities offered by today’s Internet. Next, he systematically introduces the underlying network technologies and protocols that make them possible: low-level data communications; packet switching, LAN, and WAN technologies; and Internet protocols such as TCP, IP, UDP, and IPv6. With these concepts and technologies established, he introduces several of the most important contemporary issues faced by network implementers and managers, including quality of service, Internet telephony, multimedia, network security, and network management. Comer has carefully designed this book to support both top-down and bottom-up teaching approaches. Students need no background in operating systems, and no sophisticated math: Comer relies throughout on figures, drawings, examples, and analogies, not mathematical proofs.

Preface

PART I. Introduction and Internet Applications

1. Introduction and Overview

2. Internet Trends

3. Internet Applications and Network Programming

4. Traditional Internet Applications

PART II. Data Communication Basics

5. Overview Of Data Communications

6. Information Sources and Signals

7. Transmission Media

8. Reliability and Channel Coding

9/ Transmission Modes

10. Modulation and Modems

11. Multiplexing and Demultiplexing (Channelization)

12. Access and Interconnection Technologies

PART III. Packet Switching and Network Technologies

13. Local Area Networks: Packets, Frames, and Topologies

14. The IEEE MAC Sub-Layer

15. Wired LAN Technology (Ethernet and 802.3)

16. Wireless Networking Technologies

17. LAN Extensions: Fiber Modems, Repeaters, Bridges, and Switches

18. WAN Technologies and Dynamic Routing

19. Networking Technologies Past and Present

PART IV. Internetworking

20. Internetworking: Concepts, Architecture, and Protocols

21. IP: Internet Addressing

22. Datagram Forwarding

23. Support Protocols and Technologies

24. The Future IP (IPv6)

25. UDP: Datagram Transport Service

26. TCP: Reliable Transport Service

27. Internet Routing and Routing Protocols

PART V. Other Networking Concepts & Technologies

28. Network Performance (QoS and DiffServ)

29. Multimedia and IP Telephony (VoIP)

30. Network Security

31. Network Management (SNMP)

32. Trends In Networking Technologies and Uses

Appendix 1. A Simplified Application Programming Interface

Index

Broad coverage of key concepts and principles, presented in a technology-independent fashion. Drawing on more than 30 years’ experience at the leading edge of networking research and implementation,Comer focuses on imparting knowledge that students will need regardless of which technologies emerge or become obsolete.

Flexibly organized to support both top-down and bottom-up teaching approaches. Chapters may be sequenced in multiple orders to accommodate a wide variety of instructor/student/course needs and preferences. When presented in order, the book exposes students to applications and allows them to write network programs early, while delivering all material in logical order.

No sophisticated mathematics required. Instead of formal mathematical proofs, Comer presents highly accessible examples, figures, drawings, and analogies.

Exercises and projects in every chapter. Includes comprehensive, hands-on opportunities for students to test their knowledge and gain confidence in their abilities.

Features a CD-ROM of NetSim, a simulation based learning software. This abridged version contains an interface for simulations on Wireless LAN and TCP protocols, animations of Ethernet and ATM protocols and a C / C++ programming exercise for the shortest path algorithm. NetSim is an ideal companion for self learning, classroom teaching, labs and coding practice for skill enhancement. For further information visit www.tetcos.com

Companion web site. A web site for the text includes supporting material, such as photos of equipment, computer software, and lab exercises a reader can perform to reinforce concepts, as well as instructor materials, such as classroom presentations and copies of the figures. www.prenhall.com/comer

Dr. Douglas Comer is an internationally recognized expert on TCP/IP protocols, computer networking, and the Internet. One of the researchers who contributed to the Internet as it was being formed in the late 1970s and 1980s, he was a member of the Internet Architecture Board, the group responsible for guiding the Internet's development. He was also chairman of the CSNET technical committee, a member of the CSNET executive committee, and chairman of DARPA's Distributed Systems Architecture Board.

Comer has consulted for industry on the design of computer networks. In addition to giving talks in US universities, each year Comer lectures to academics and networking professionals around the world. Comer's operating system, XINU, and implementation of TCP/IP protocols (both documented in his textbooks), have been used in commercial products.

Comer is a Distinguished Professor of Computer Science at Purdue University. He is currently on leave from Purdue, serving as VP of Research Collaboration at Cisco Systems. Recently, Comer has taught courses on networking, internetworking, computer architecture, and operating systems. He has developed innovative labs that provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with operating systems, networks, and protocols. In addition to writing a series of best-selling technical books that have been translated into 16 languages, he served as the North American editor of the journal Software — Practice and Experience for 20 years. Comer is a fellow of the ACM. For additional information, visit his web site.

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