Computer Networks 4th Ed Andrew S. Tanenbaum [Electronic resources] نسخه متنی

1.8 Outline of the Rest of the Book

This book discusses both the principles and practice of computer networking. Most chapters start with a discussion of the relevant principles, followed by a number of examples that illustrate these principles. These examples are usually taken from the Internet and wireless networks since these are both important and very different. Other examples will be given where relevant.

The book is structured according to the hybrid model of Fig. 1-24. Starting with Chap. 2, we begin working our way up the protocol hierarchy beginning at the bottom. The second chapter provides some background in the field of data communication. It covers wired, wireless, and satellite transmission systems. This material is concerned with the physical layer, although we cover only the architectural rather than the hardware aspects. Several examples of the physical layer, such as the public switched telephone network, mobile telephones, and the cable television network are also discussed.

Chapter 3 discusses the data link layer and its protocols by means of a number of increasingly complex examples. The analysis of these protocols is also covered. After that, some important real-world protocols are discussed, including HDLC (used in low- and medium-speed networks) and PPP (used in the Internet).

Chapter 4 concerns the medium access sublayer, which is part of the data link layer. The basic question it deals with is how to determine who may use the network next when the network consists of a single shared channel, as in most LANs and some satellite networks. Many examples are given from the areas of wired LANs, wireless LANs (especially Ethernet), wireless MANs, Bluetooth, and satellite networks. Bridges and data link switches, which are used to connect LANs, are also discussed here.

Chapter 5 deals with the network layer, especially routing, with many routing algorithms, both static and dynamic, being covered. Even with good routing algorithms though, if more traffic is offered than the network can handle, congestion can develop, so we discuss congestion and how to prevent it. Even better than just preventing congestion is guaranteeing a certain quality of service. We will discuss that topic as well here. Connecting heterogeneous networks to form internetworks leads to numerous problems that are discussed here. The network layer in the Internet is given extensive coverage.

Chapter 6 deals with the transport layer. Much of the emphasis is on connection-oriented protocols, since many applications need these. An example transport service and its implementation are discussed in detail. The actual code is given for this simple example to show how it could be implemented. Both Internet transport protocols, UDP and TCP, are covered in detail, as are their performance issues. Issues concerning wireless networks are also covered.

Chapter 7 deals with the application layer, its protocols and applications. The first topic is DNS, which is the Internet's telephone book. Next comes e-mail, including a discussion of its protocols. Then we move onto the Web, with detailed discussions of the static content, dynamic content, what happens on the client side, what happens on the server side, protocols, performance, the wireless Web, and more. Finally, we examine networked multimedia, including streaming audio, Internet radio, and video on demand.

Chapter 8 is about network security. This topic has aspects that relate to all layers, so it is easiest to treat it after all the layers have been thoroughly explained. The chapter starts with an introduction to cryptography. Later, it shows how cryptography can be used to secure communication, e-mail, and the Web. The book ends with a discussion of some areas in which security hits privacy, freedom of speech, censorship, and other social issues collide head on.

Chapter 9 contains an annotated list of suggested readings arranged by chapter. It is intended to help those readers who would like to pursue their study of networking further. The chapter also has an alphabetical bibliography of all references cited in this book.

The author's Web site at Prentice Hall:

http://www.prenhall.com/tanenbaum

has a page with links to many tutorials, FAQs, companies, industry consortia, professional organizations, standards organizations, technologies, papers, and more.