Computer Networks: A Systematic Approach (3rd Edition)

Author: (American) Peterson (Peterson/L.L.) and others
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-03-01
Features: The main features of this book are: numerous practical examples that help readers better understand various network protocols. Each chapter begins with a real-world network problem, vividly introducing concepts and descriptions, and includes open-ended questions, supplementary readings, advanced topics related to the subject, and web-based network resources, making it highly suitable for teaching purposes. This book is a classic best-selling textbook in the field of computer networks, embodying decades of theoretical research, practical experience, and extensive hand materials from two top-tier network experts. Since its publication, it has become the mainstream textbook for network courses and has been adopted by many prestigious universities such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, Princeton University, University of Wisconsin, Purdue University, University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Chicago. The biggest difference between this book and traditional network textbooks is that it does not simply introduce the OSI layers in a mechanical manner. Instead, it adopts a "systems approach," viewing the network as a system composed of many interconnected components. It emphasizes the systematic concepts throughout the network and the reasons why actual networks adopt existing working methods, thereby laying a solid theoretical foundation for students and professionals to understand current network technologies and future innovations. In the new edition, the authors have comprehensively updated the book based on feedback from both instructors and readers, adding a wealth of new materials such as MPLS and switching, wireless and mobile technologies, peer-to-peer networks, IPv6, overlay networks and content distribution networks, VPNs, IP telephony, network security, and multimedia communications. At the same time, the book retains the highly praised features of the previous edition, with all descriptions rigorously centered around problems and supplemented by specific protocol references, C language code examples, and thought-provoking end-of-chapter exercises.