An Engineering Approach to Computer Networking: ATM Networks,...

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 688 pages
• Published by: Addison-Wesley Professional
• Edition: 1st Edition May 15, 1997
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0201634422
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0201634426
• Book Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.7 x 1.2 inches
• Weighs: 3 pounds

Product Review
Suitable for students, working network engineers, and (to some degree) salespeople responsible for promoting network services, An Engineering Approach to Computer Networking: ATM Networks, the Internet, and the Telephone Network explains how voice and data networks operate. Author Srinivsan Keshav does a great job of explaining how various systems--especially Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) networks, Internet Protocol (IP) networks, and switched voice networks--communicate signals from one point to another. He notes similarities and differences among the systems' approaches to the problem of telecommunications and highlights the challenges inherent in integrating them. If you're involved in building a large network, particularly if you'll be laying your own cable over long distances--you'll appreciate the design advice this book provides.

An Engineering Approach to Computer Networking takes an academic approach to its topic--the author based this book on lectures he gave at several universities, after all. You can fault his writing style for its dryness, but not for lack of detail or breadth of coverage. He deserves particular praise for his explanation of the seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model, complete with an intelligent analogy between a letter delivered by a postal service and a packet traveling over a network. --David Wall

Topics covered: basics of Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Internet Protocol (IPv4 and IPv6), and telephone networks. Multiplexing, collision management, queuing, switching and routing under ATM, IP, and switched voice.

Book Info
This text not only describes how networks operate but also offers insight into the principles of network design. Covers protocol layering, multiple access, switching, scheduling and more. CD ROM included. DLC: Computer networks.

Reader Reviews
I am a senior engineer for network security operations who enjoys learning about networking technologies. I read this book because it compares and contrasts telephone, Internet, and ATM networks. I also have a general interest in learning how networks operate. I concentrate on security, but I realize knowing more about networks in general helps my intrusion detection work. I strongly recommend reading this book if you develop or research networking products. Less focused readers will quickly become overwhelmed, as I was! Mr. Keshav states "the bulk of this book is written at a level suitable for first-year graduate students in computer science or electrical engineering." He is not kidding! While Mr. Keshav does an excellent job discussing technical material, the extreme level to which he takes explanations demands a very dedicated reader. I was happy enough to learn of the many trade-offs required for sound network device design. Once Mr. Keshav began illuminating exactly how some technologies work (with theorems, equations, and statistics), I began skimming. My favorite sections included chapters 1 through 4, the "basic" material introducing telephone, Internet, and ATM networks. Chapters 5 (Protocol Layering), 6 (System Design) and 7 (Multiple Access) were also good. Beyond chapter 7 (with some exceptions), I found the material deeper than the interest level I have as a security professional. Some may wonder about the relevance of a book written in 1996 to current networking practice. I believe the bulk of the text remains useful, since it uses technological examples to frame underlying design approaches. Furthermore, Mr. Keshav provides a way to think about networks by defining crucial terms and concepts in clear terms. These definitions are reinforced by excellent summaries, tables, and glossaries. "An Engineering Approach" provides an incredible number of answers to the "why" questions of telephone, Internet, and ATM networking. Other books will give mainly the "what" or sometimes "how." "What" is enough for doing daily admin, "how" is enough to improve network performance, and "why" is needed to build better networks. If you need all three levels, give Mr. Keshav's book a try! Comment | | (Report this)