computer networks

This third edition represents another major upgrade to this classic networking book. The field continues to change fast, and new concepts emerge with amazing speed. This version expands its discussion of a lot of important new topics, including peer-to-peer networks, Ipv6, overlay and content distribution networks, MPLS and switching, wireless and mobile technology, and more. It also contains an earlier and stronger focus on applications, which reflects the student and professional’s increased familiarity with a wide range of networked applications. The book continues its tradition of giving you the facts you need to understand today’s world. But it has not lost track of its larger goal, to tell you not only the facts but the why behind the facts. The philosophy of the book remains the same: to be timely but timeless. What this book will teach you in today’s networked world will give you the insight needed to work in tomorrow’s landscape. And that is important, since there is no reason to believe that the evolution of networks is going to slow down anytime soon. It is hard to remember what the world looked like only ten years ago. Back then the Internet was not really a commercial reality. Ten megabits per second was really fast.We didn’t worry about spam and virus attacks—we left our computers unguarded and hardly worried. Those times were simpler, but today may be more exciting. And you better believe that tomorrow will be different from today: at least as exciting, with luck no less trustworthy, and certainly bigger, faster and filled with fresh innovation. So I hope Larry and Bruce can relax for a little before they have to start the next revision. Meanwhile, use this book to learn about today and get ready for tomorrow. Have fun.