Book Description
Completely updated, the best-selling business networking reference returns. The eighth edition includes the changes necessary for the fast-paced networking environment. While technologies and applications change rapidly, the fundamental concepts evolve much more slowly; they provide the foundation from which new technologies and applications can be understood, evaluated, and compared. The new edition features a chapter on wireless LANS, an expansion of the security chapter to include more on security design and new technologies, and more coverage of technology design material on network design including a selection of technologies and best practices for network design. This book is the market leader known for its technical accuracy and cutting-edge orientation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Sometimes you have to buy a book for school...
It is what it is.It could have been a lot better but as it is required for my class at BU, I didn't have a choice.

Easy to read and understand
The business data communications and networking book is very to read and understand.The bold and italicized writing makes it easier to comprehend the communication being presented.The information is up to date and I'd recommend this book to anyone who requires a clear understanding of business data communications and networking

Great Introductory book for Networks
It's a great introduction to networking, with details about LAN, Backbones, and WAN architectures. It is also easy to read and Understand.

Almost, but not quite there.....
I purchased this book for a class I was taking.It was the required text for the class.I have 15 years experience in network design and administration and recently returned to school to earn a second degree.I found this text to be overly technical for its intended audience, and would not recommend it to any instructor.Also the accompanying test bank from which an instructor can pull quiz/test questions are absolutely horrible and only serve to confuse students trying to learn.
... Read more

Book Description

This timely revision of an all-time best-seller in the field features the clarity and scope of a Stallings classic. This comprehensive volume provides the most up-to-date coverage of the essential topics in data communications, networking, Internet technology and protocols, and standards – all in a convenient modular format.Features updated coverage of multimedia, Gigabit and 10 Gbps Ethernet, WiFi/IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs, security, and much more.Ideal for professional reference or self-study. For Product Development personnel, Programmers, Systems Engineers, Network Designers and others involved in the design of data communications and networking products.

Customer Reviews (23)

Pedagogically Worthless
It is truly sad that this book is considered one of the best available on the topic of networking and data communications.From a pedagogical standpoint the book fails in several ways.

First, as many others have already complained, many of the exercises at the end of each chapter are simply impossible to complete given the information in the relevant chapter.Many of the problems require methods or concepts that are simply never explained.This is shocking and inexcusable!

Second, even if the problems at the end of each chapter did correspond to the text in the chapter, there still would not be enough examples in each chapter for many people to complete them.There is typically one example per section, but it usually simplistic and/or trivial.

Third, the writing is awful.The author does not know how to present information in a logical and detailed fashion.The author skips details, slurs concepts and pulls explanations out of nowhere.

The one redeeming quality of the book is that it contains a lot of information you won't find in many other textbooks.Thus, it may have some worth as a reference for people who can fill in the details for themselves.But as a vehical for learning it fails in almost every important regard.

well presented explanations
[A review of the 8th EDITION, that was published in late 2006.]

Stallings takes the student reader through an extensive introduction to current computer networking. Focusing naturally on TCP/IP, as the Internet is the largest computer network in the world. He shows how TCP/IP can be related to the theoretical 7 layer OSI model. The 5 layers of TCP/IP have proved to be well adequate to this date.

En route, he provides very simple analogies to the protocol stack, as this sometimes gives students grief. One analogy is for the physical layer to be mapped to a telephone line. Then on one side, there is a stack for ordering pizza - consisting of a guest at a hotel, a host and a telephone. The other stack has the pizza cook, the order clerk and a telephone. Here, we see a 3 [or 4] layer stack, that is readily understandable. (It's easier to see the structure in the book's diagram.] Well, if you can follow this, then TCP/IP is not so different.

The book also explains various multiplexing methods, like frequency division or time division, without drowning the student in maths. The treatment is qualitative, and does not replace a full course in communications theory.

The discussion on routing, however, while also qualitative, is closer to actual implementations. The routing strategies can be quite adequately understood at the level given in the text.

There is one chapter devoted to wireless networks [ie. for cellphones]. Given the still strong rise in cellphone usage in developing countries, this chapter might well be expanded in future editions of the book.

WiFi is covered, but not WiMax. Well, it is still early days for deployment of the latter, whereas WiFi's popularity is established.

Interesting stuff.
most interesting part of this book was adsl, cable, vdsl because our family are using FastAccess DSL(adsl with 1.5 megabyte patch)from Bellsouth(which is merged with At&T).

A Good Resource
This book does not cover as many topics as I would have liked, but it is very current and appears to be accurate.Stallings can be a bit dry.

A+ in the NW and Data Comm hard to find books.
The subject of Networking and Data communication is hard to teach and the good books are also hard to find.
For anyone interested in the details of Networking and its mathematical and logical scales, there is no other book that represents this wide subject in an easy to read, understand and comprehend the subject.Although this is only my second required textbook in the Networking and Data communication, one undergrad and now grad school, it is my ...probably 10th book to read/use as a reference in my daily tasks.
All or partial of the text might be presented as grad level course or subject, but it is presented in a simple way. Go ahead, read it...you buy it or borrow it at the local library you won't be disappointed.
TL
... Read more

Book Description
The latest edition of Curt White's top-selling text maintains a balanced approach between the technical and the practical aspects of data communications, providing a solid understanding not only of how things work, but how they can be applied to create business solutions. Updated to reflect new technologies, this text covers current concepts such as voice over wireless LAN, convergence, MPLS, and PPP, while maintaining the pedagogical elements that have been successful for students in the past. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great deal!
Great deal! Fast shipping!This item was in better than expected condition! Will buy from again!

Great book that provides all I need
I used this textbook for TDC course at DePaul.
It was really helpful and useful especially for newbie.
Plus the details are not too general.

I actually learned something...
This book laid out as much information as possible without cluttering the pages with filler.There were several real-world examples, and the helpful diagrams really put the words into action.Now, there's any humor in this book, so don't expect to be entertained.And there's a lot of information in this book.I mean a lot.But if you actually want to learn something about networking and data communications, you won't be disappointed.

Integrating Technology and Management
I have been using this book for two years to teach a senior level management class how technology is used in today's business. As most of instructors would agree, it is sometimes (or always) difficult to draw management students' interest in technical issues. If you use this book, that wouldn't be a problem at all. Supporting the topics in the book by some case studies from contemporary business would even make your course indispensable.

Dr. Yasin Ozcelik
www.misworld.org

Easy to read and understand
I used this book for an internet class so i ended up reading the entire book from chapter one to the end.It was a little boring at times, but it made it easy to understand the material and the diagrams were great.The only annoying thing was how in the first few chapters it kept saying what was beyond the scope of the book and what chapter you will be studying what and when.Stick to the material. ... Read more

Book Description
Business Data Communications Introductory Concepts and Techniques covers fundamental business data communication concepts, beginning with an overview and the companies and government agencies involved in the field; the effects of communications on today's society; types of networks and security; the importance of wireless technologies; e-business applications; and the increased speed in communication services. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Full of Technical Falsehoods
I am using this book for a data communications class at a local technical school.This review refers to the Fourth Edition of the book, which is current at the time of this review (7 July 2005).

I agree with the last reviewer who said this book was out-of-date.The book devotes much discussion to hierarchical networks that use mainframes, front-end processors, concentrators, and multiplexors.I consider this to be acceptable since the book is meant for data communications classes and not networking fundamentals classes.Data communications texts should be expected to cover phone systems and evolutions of communications networks, in my opinion.However, the fact that the text discusses these types of networks as though they are the current norm is unacceptable and misleading to new IT students.

In addition, the book has several significant technical and grammatical errors in almost every chapter.Take the following example, which serves as a (false) example of CIDR notation for IP addressing:

"For example, the IP address 186.100.0.0 would appear as 186.100.0.0/20 in the CIDR system.The /20 in this example means that the first 12 bits are used to identify the particular network, leaving the rest of the bits to identify the specific host." (Page 12.12, fifth paragraph)

This example--the only example of CIDR given, and vital to understanding the system--is ABSOLUTELY BACKWARD!The /20 signifies that the first twenty bits of the address are used as the subnet mask, and that the last twelve are used for the host.Fortunately, I have studied for many technical certifications like the CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA and was able to recognize this as I read it.Other students may not be so fortunate.

Here's another example, from the chapter on network security:

"Hackers often try to plant a Trojan Horse (a program that is designed to be hidden on the computer and then start at some predetermined time in the future to do some damage to the computer) or ..." (Page 10.13, second paragraph)

This is also absolutely false.The first part of the definition, that trojan horse programs are hidden, could be considered true, but that they start at a predetermined time in the future, and that they do damage to a computer are both completely false.The widely-accepted definition of a trojan horse is a program that performs a different or an addition function to the one it seems and purports to do.Furthermore, I don't know of a single trojan horse program that does damage to a computer when it executes.Usually, these types of programs open a port and run a daemon on a computer, or perform some other function to leave a security vulnerability.Any damage that results comes after an intruder compromises the system.A "time-bomb" is the common term for a program set to execute at a predetermined time.

This last example seems to me to be far more disturbing: not only is there a technical falsehood (or two) in the statement, it seems that the author(s) sincerely did not know the material.Shelly Cashman publishes a lot of texts for technical schools, and perhaps the authors were too concerned with meeting deadlines or including a comprehensive number of topics, even if they didn't necessarily have experience in these areas.Books from other technical publishers, such as O'REILLY, Deitel & Deitel, and No Starch Press would never consider such errors acceptable.The fact that these errors are still present in the fourth edition is disturbing.

What's more, there is no errata page at the Shelly Cashman website to inform readers of typos or errors in the text.In my opinion, this is absolutely unacceptable for any technical publisher.

Unfortunately, not having a great deal of experience in other areas of the data communications field, like telephony systems and older network architectures, I cannot at present recommend an alternative text, other than one that has a number of good reviews and comes from a more prestigious publisher.

Out of touch
This book is a big disappointment.In the rapidly changing field of information technology, it is important to stay somewhat up to date with technology.Although the copyright date is 1997, most of the book has not changed since its first edition (circa 1990?).

This book contains suchgems as "Today the ARCNET protocol is widely used in a variety of LANS(Page 7-16)" Ha!

The authors also go into great detail about thewonderous SNA protocol, choices regarding terminals, etc.

TCPIP is listedas a 'Wide Area Networking Protocol' and is not listed under the LANsection.

Some 'recent updates' to the second edition talk about theInternet.The inform the reader about valuable Internet utilities such asGopher and Archie?

According to this book and a question from the exampool, Ethernet is used on bus networks only...not star.

This is theworst excuse for a technology book I have ever seen.They should rename it'History of Data Communications' ... Read more

Book Description
Data Communications and Networking, 3/e provides a comprehensive and current introduction to networking technologies.The book is accessible to students from all backgrounds and uses hundreds of figures to visually represent concepts.

The new edition has been completely updated to reflect the constantly changing world of network technologies.Enhanced coverage of bluetooth, wireless, satellites, as well as four new chapters on security have been added.

The third edition has transitioned from using the 7-layer OSI model to the 5-layer Internet Model. More time is spent on TCP/IP in the new organization.

Forouzan's book continues to be supported by an On-line Learning Center (OLC) that contains many extra resources for students and instructors.Some of the features include PowerPoints, solutions, self-quizzing, and Flash animations that illustrate concepts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Good points and bad
I'll preface this by saying I'm only on page 102 of the book, but I have to agree with a previous user about the annoying errors. I bought this book to study on my own and test out of a college prerequisite class. Some things are crystal clear, but there are places where he'll state one thing and contradict himself later on.

One example is in chpt. 4 discussing line coding. First he states that for NRZ-L positive voltage usually means the bit is 0, while negative voltage means the bit is 1. In the next section he states "Like NRZ-L, positive voltage means 1 and negative voltage means 0." Which is correct?!?

In addition, there are places where he'll refer to a topic or equation and state that he discussed it before when he didn't.

For someone who has no background in this at all and no way to ask questions, these errors and contradictions are very frustrating. It's a compehensive book, but it's time for a new edition or, at the least, an online errata page.

A Very Well Written Book
Easy to read, easy to understand. Good graphics. Other books are a joke.

No regrets
I'll make two separate sets of comments - one for professors and one for students.

Students first... Forouzan is about as easy to read as any book on the subject.Since Forouzan has done a pretty good job of keeping the text up-to-date, however, you may find it difficult to use a previous edition of the text.I would estimate that about 20% of the material is either new or revised in the 3rd edition.The website also has some pretty good student resources, such as notes and related study tools.

For professors... I have been using the text since its first edition and have no regrets.In the third edition, Forouzan departs from the 7-layered OSI model to something he calls the 5-layered Internet model (Application, Transport, Network, DL, Physical), which may not be "standard", but it certainly makes things a little easier when talking about the Internet and modern computer networks.There seems to be enough quantitative material to satisfy those who wish to take a more engineering-centered approach to data comm, although I'm not sure how this text would fly in a school of engineering (my home is a school of business).There are ample online resources for professors, including powerpoint shows and exam materials. The only other text I would consider as a substitute for Forouzan is the slightly more technical text by Stallings, but as I said, I have never had any regrets about Forouzan.

Very easy to read and understand
Forouzan made another noble work! This textbook is one of my first group of books in computer networking area. I finished reading this book 2 years ago. It has a clear text, very friendly and easy to read.

I highly recommended this book for everyone interested in Computer Network, especially a student.

Excellent entry level text
I teach a second year under-graduate (degree) course in Data Communications and Networking. This is the first networking paper that students will take. I have used Shay, Stallings and Tanenbaum in the past but have changed to Forouzan because I believe that it does an excellent job of introducing concepts at a level that is readily understood by a novice. Student feedback confirms that it is about the right level and that they feel they actually understand the text - quite a bonus ;-)

Another review recommends the above authors - and I agree they give an excellent treatment of the topic - but they require an advanced student. I would select Stallings or Tanenbaum for a paper that follows the introductory paper (we actually use Comer for the advanced paper which is specifically TCP/IP)

Forouzan's "Data Comms and Networking" is clear, plainly written - yet gives a good depth to the topics being considered. The diagrams and practice questions are excellent.

I highly recommend this book for an introductory under-graduate text. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The best book out there for basic-intermediate level
I conducted a full book research for an undergraduate networking class I'll be teaching, and this volume quickly rose to the top, and stayed there.It may not be perfect for a strongly math-centric or engineering-based curriculum, but it's perfect for IT/IS and general CS.It is the textbook I wish I had when I took my first undergraduate and even graduate level networking class in college.This is also a book that I actually enjoy reading and flipping through--a prerequisite for students.There is no doubt for me that this book will stand the test of time as a reference book for them through the coming years.

This book is well organized, well written, well researched, comprehensive, and is consistently high quality across the board (table of contents, end of chapter material, glossary, index, illustrations, figures, tables, callouts, boxes, etc.).Please, I challenge you to refer me to a book with a better glossary, or as up-to-date content as MT-RJ connectors (with a Figure, no less!)The website for the book is also top-notch!Students can take a chapter quiz, have it electronically graded, and submit the results via email to themselves and to me.Guess what we're going to do at the end of class?;-)

The layout and color scheme of the book is surprisingly conducive to learning, something you can't say about every textbook.There is more than enough stuff for a good professor to be able to fill a basic networking class.

Probably the only thing I found lacking, and this is for professors, not readers or students, was a more thorough pedagogical discussion of proposed curriculum paths and sequences for professors to consider.Most will go their own way, but it is helpful up front to know why the author(s) organized the way they did, included what they did (vs. specific model curricula), and what the ramifications might be of moving things around, etc.Personally, I'll be de-emphasizing chapters 6, 8, 10, 11, 17, 18, 22, 24, and 29--FWIW!But that's just me...I also would have liked to have seen, somewhere (even if it was online), a practical primer for students, on how to use Hyperterm, for example, and links to some free utilities for network monitoring, etc.If that was there, I haven't ran across it yet.Oh, and possibly a discussion of certification paths, for those that are interested.But then again, professors shouldn't be handed everything on a platter.So those are minor criticisms.

This was an easy textbook to adopt, and I am quite sure the students will greatly benefit from the work Behrouz and his technical review team did on this great text.I am not always easily impressed, but in this case I was.

Focus out of place
If you're looking for a book which includes a heavy introduction to data communication, then you should consider this book.

If you are hunting more info on networking, I'd suggest you look elsewhere. All topics are introductary and not conclusive enough to be anything but theory knowledge.

Beware on differenet versions as well, as there exists a localized copy of this book for every country in the world, all which vary content.

If you want to learn about networks, this is your book
I bought Behrouz's data Communications and Networking (4th ed) book for self-study purpose. I found it to be an excellent book. It is not wordy but still very detailed. It has a lot of figures and diagrams to explain the concepts. You can hardly find a page without graphics. The concepts are clearly explained with minimal use of math. You can download very nice power points from publisher's website. If you want to learn about networking, then this is a book worth every penny spent on it. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description
A friendlier voice in an area crowded with technical, formal textbooks, Miller’s style reaches the students quickly and effectively. The abundance of chapter projects and the audio/visual support of concepts enables instructors to keep students engaged. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

One of the better books I have ever read!
This book, though based on some older technologies, is truly exceptional.Before reading this book I practically knew nothing about telecommunications and data communications.I now understand everything from how the public phone system works to the OSI model to how bits of data are sent over a fiber optic line.

I say this book is based on many older technologies because it is.It talks about modulation and demodulation, and at this point in time I think we are quite a ways from 14.4 modems - which were huge in the 90's, just not so much anymore.However, even though this technology is getting quite old, the concepts are still in use today and it is an important part of understanding data communications.

If you think you might be interested in knowing how any of the following work, then this book is definitely for you:PBX's, DSL, Multiplexing, Networking (WAN and LAN), Protocols, Bits and Bytes, Wireless, Data Security, OSI model, Public Network, Fiber Optics, Modems, Protocols...The list goes on and on.There is so much in this book, that you can't help but feel enlightened after reading it!

The one complaint I can see people having with this book is there is too much information.It simply covers so many different aspects of computing that you might feel overwhelmed.This did not bother me at all, but it is something to keep in mind.

Not for Engineers or anyone with a technical background
This book covers all the major topics in data communications but does soin a very simplistic manner that barely scratches the surface of any of thetopics covered.Of course the breadth of the book is so wide that it wouldnot be possible to cover even a fraction of the topics in any detail.Theback of the book says that it is a suitable book for those with a technicalbackground and that the 'shaded areas' go into more technical detail.Ifound the shaded areas to be just as elementary as the rest of the book,and in many cases doesn't tell the full story.This is a good book if youonly want an introduction to telecomm topics, or want a dictionary oftelecomm acronyms.It is fairly well written and has some very simplisticanalogies for those who might need plain english illustrations of telecommconcepts.The reason I'm giving it a low rating is because I feel thepublisher/author is trying to sell this to a technical audience, which Istrongly feel it is not suitable for.But if you know nothing about volts,bytes, bits, baud, hertz, etc... then this would be a goodplace to start.

Bps or Baud Rate? What's the difference?
Excellent first reference on networks. Definitions are well defined, and new terms are highlighted. Author uses easy to understand analogies to describe complex concepts. Good for novice to intermediate student.

A must for anybody who wants a thorough intro to the subject
An amazingly well organized and readable introductory book for anybody who is curious about the telecom/datacom infrastructure.I highly recommend this as the first primer.

Very good introductory book
This book is a must for anyone who wants to learn about data communications. I found it very helpful and I simply enjoyed reading it which doesn't happen very often with this kind of literature. It won't makeyou an expert in data comm. but it will give you a very solid overview ofthe industry and introduce you to the technolgies used in today'stelecommunications. Thanks, William, good job. ... Read more

Book Description
Balances the technical and managerial aspects of data communications. The goal is to strike a balance between understanding how networks operate and how to successfully apply them.
* "Real Life" examples used throughout the text. The use of networks has become more complex over the past few years. The text contains dozens of examples in Management Focus Boxes that shows how real organizations are using telecommunications and networking.
* Coverage of all the important topics in data communications is included in the text. The critical technology and/or network management issues are covered.
* Network Protocols coverage--TCP/IP. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

The First Networking Book I owned
This was the first networking book I bought when I was still in school. The book is good and helped me setup my first network at home. I am writing my review today even though they already moved up two more editions.

Excellent for the Newbee
I had to get this book because of college.It is a great book for anyone trying to understand basic concepts.It is very easy reading and keeps you interested.I would not recommend it for anyone who has a good understanding of communcations and networking.

Decent but Outdated
The layout of this book could have used some work, and I understand the later editions do a better job, but it nevertheless provided a foundation of networking and datacomm principles.The material is out of date, so since there is a newer edition out, I would recommend it over this edition.

This is my 2nd review...
Well, I must confess...I wrote my first review BEFORE reading any other reviews.Wow - after reading the others, I started thinking "I MUST HAVE BEEN READING A DIFFERENT BOOK!"Well, that is exactly the story.My review is of the 7th edition and I specifically went looking for the grammatical errors and the packet-switching complaints and all the other complaints, one-by-one.You know what?HOOEY!!All the problems others speak of in the 6th edition have been corrected and improved upon!This is a good book!I liked Mr. Nagle's review and the only negatives he mentions were mere weaknesses that have been beefed up. So, I still say this is a book that you'll find useful if you read it.If you want to peruse it, looking for tips and tricks on setting up your own network, then I say this is NOT the book for you - I'd look for the networking for dummies.(I'm not trying to be flipant, either.Those books only have the tips of the icebergs and are great for perusing - kinda like a cliff's notes.)

I say you will like the improvements over whatever the 6th edition missed (or messed up).

FANTASTIC!!If you buy one book, make it this one!!
I just finished a graduate course using this book as the textbook.At first I thought "Hmmmph - another OSI Layer book."What I learned is that it is very current, going into Blue tooth, Internet II, and all the latest Wireless protocols, too.Like consider the multiple Gigabit networking architectures, including optical and copper.This is "one for the shelf" of every do it your selfer wanting to learn and it reads like a "how to" manual that you'll use.Whether you want to learn, bone up, or be the one who has all the right vocabulary at the drinking fountain - this is a book you should give a chance to.It surprised me and I manage a significant IS dept.I think you will consider it a value-added addition to your library! ... Read more

Book Description

The fifth edition of this popular book presents the fundamental concepts of data communications, networking, distributed applications, and network management and security; and uses real world case studies to explicatebusiness environment and business management and staff issues. Up-to-date coverage of key issues-the use of the Internet, intranets, and extranets support business objectives, LANs, WANs, high-speed networks, asychronous transfer mode (ATM) and TCP/IP. Accessible presentation for information systems managers, telecommunications managers, product marketing personnel, and system support specialists.

Customer Reviews (15)

Very verytechnical
Having read reviews prior to purchasing the book, I thought, it can't be that bad. I was wrong. All of the reviews are accurate and true descriptions of the book. I purchased the book as required text for a graduate introductory course in data communications. What can you do if you're stuck with this book and you must read it " for class"? Read the summary at the end of each chapter FIRST. This might help you grasp what the author is trying to say in a long, extended, technical and scientific way.

The book includes scientific descriptions of data communication. Perhaps the book is extremely on point for engineering students or someone with interest in creating a data communications or telecommunications system from scratch for an organization. However, addressing the issues from a business perspective is not the primary focus of the book. Reading the chapter demands utmost concentration and the ability to extract key concepts about the subject under discussion. It is not clear why this book seems to pop up so often as the required text.There are many books that address data communications from a business perspective. It is an arcane academic selection as required text for a non-engineering data communications course.

Priceless - or should be
I am completing my MSIS degree.I was required to use this textbook for one of my classes.I felt the book was possibly appropriate for an engineering computer science program on a "how things work" level but a terrible waste of time for business students.If I want to buy a cell phone I don't care HOW the cell phone works.I only care that it DOES work, and that it is dependable, accurate, reliable, and cost effective.Stop putting the OSI model in these textbooks.Just teach TCP/IP because that's what is used.If you're going to put problems at the end of the chapters, provide solutions to the students.Otherwise, you're just wasting paper because nobody will ever use them.Why work on them if you don't have a solution to compare your answers to?I have spoken to nearly half the people in my class.All agree.This textbook was a terrible choice for our class in the business program.None of us feel we learned anything of value from studying from this book.

I sincerely hope our instructor and program director will find a different book to use for future classes.

Business Data Communications
This book arrived in a timely manner and in excellent condition. I would purchase fromthis seller again.

Not an Appropriate Introductory Textbook
A course I took earlier this year used this textbook, and I wasn't too fond of it.The book's explanations were very clinical, and other reviewers are correct in observing that it has many typographical errors (which are very frustrating when trying to solve mathematically inclined equations).

The professor deviated substantially from the text, supplying us with several real-world examples and more on the theory behind the examples given in the book.If he had not done that, I do not think I would have been able to learn the material from the book alone.Many of its explanations are too brief and lack depth or supporting examples.

If you are teaching an information systems course and intend to use this textbook, be prepared to supplement it with substantial cases or lose the interest and comprehension of your students.

Good Book for CIS Majors
I bought this book for an online course on Network Communications which I took as a Computer Science major. This book is riddled with technical information and looks at things from an 'implementation cost' perspective (the case studies at the end of almost every chapter are good examples of this) which is good for Computer Information Systems (CIS) majors since they tend to focus more on the business aspect of the 'field'.

The majority of the chapters are easy reading (if you like reading technical info.). I found some of the problems at the end of some chapters to be quite challenging (which was a treat being the geek that I am). I've also used this book as reference for TCP/IP when doing low-level network programming.

Conclusion: if you're a CIS major or a business major focusing on IT, then I recommend this book for you. ... Read more

Book Description
Written for students and managers who do not have a technical background, Data Communications and Network Security comprehensively introduces students to the technology and management of data communications. This includes both wired and wireless technology as well as comprehensive coverage of network security, helping both the organization and the individual create and maintain a data-safe environment. The book's unique organization allows the material to be presented in a variety of ways, making the book a strong match to any teaching approach. ... Read more

Book Description

The Definitive Telecommunications Reference--Fully Updated

Understand cutting-edge telecommunication and networking technologies using this straightforward, real-world implementation guide.Fully revised to cover all of the latest transmission protocols, Voice & Data Communications Handbook, Fifth Edition covers all the bases-from analog transmission, VPNs, and LANs to DSL, CATV, WiFi, VoIP, and GSM. This authoritative volume covers the ins-and-outs of each vital topic, supplies practical examples and solutions, and provides helpful self-tests.You'll also find up-to-date information on regulatory standards, switches, routers, frame relay, and security procedures.

• Use new wireless technologies
• Understand the building blocks of analog transmission-bandwith, amplitude, and frequency
• Provide transparent communications using the OSI model and seven-layer architecture
• Comply with local and federal regulations and RBOCs
• Transmit information using routers, SS7, PBX, and KTS switches
• Send and receive data across TCP/IP, wireless, cellular, and optical systems
• Create a connection using a modem
• Connect to multiple VPNs and LANs using frame relay, ATM, and MPLS
• Deploy high-speed broadband access with cable modems, xDSL, and CATV
• Get details on VoIP, SIP, and voice over data services
• Increase bandwidth using IP telephony techniques and PBX equipment

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent "foundations" book!
This book covers wide variety of topics with such educated and organized fashion that the only thing I can say is: "I wish I had books like that when I was in school! "The book does have a "college" feel to it...Each chapter ends with the list of questions,to help you better understand and learn the subject discussed and do it the with maximum effect.
Asauthors state, "... if you are looking for techno-babble as designed by propeller heads, there are many other books on the market." and "If you want to learn the basics without having a degree in engineering... you came to right place."
The book is definitely not intended to be read from cover to cover.Personally, I obtained the book for the subjects of VoIP, IP Telephony, DSL and SIP - and I am not disappointed!This is a well written and structured book.Other chapters cover: OSI model, regulation in the industry, modulation and multiplexing, wireless communications, catv, and much more!
I would re-arrange some chapters, but this is my personal opinion which does not take away the value of the book.
All in all, this 600+ pages - 19 chapter treasure has found a well deserved place on my bookshelf!
... Read more

Book Description
This complete introduction to data communications is written to bring a fresh, readable, business-oriented perspective to the technology that lies at the heart of the booming telecommunications revolution.New technologies covered in this updated third edition include wireless technology, security, and the Ethernet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book for Beginner!!
First, i must thank the author who wrote this book is very helpful when i encountered a problem from this book, i e-mail to him.

Some of my background, i'm a student studying at "Informatics", an IT college in which a guidance recommends to read this book for the CS course. I used this book and got A grade for the Networking module.

This book is well-written and easy to understand and to learn in a manner. Although you might not read whole chapters in this book because it covers many different kind of topics in relation to computer network and the flow of data in a variety of network environments. It also gives you a basis of networking concept including the most updated networking technologies and the techniques, such as "Internet 2, IPv6, Switching, and Encryption," used nowadays. It is designed for those who are now studying year 1 or even year 2 at university or planning to excel or now working in IT industry. That's why it designated "A Business User's Approach"

Because of the book is to be designed for different kind of people, therefore you might just want to read some of which chapters are helpful based on what and where of your uses, situations, and backgrounds, etc... You just need to follow your learning pace on your studies or your jobs. Random reading in this book is further the way in which helps you to understand deeply and to apply.

To sum up, i think it will not be disappointed to you.
That's all my own opinions. Those who have any opinions are welcome to give a review to my views for this book. Thank you!! ... Read more

Book Description
Now in its third edition, Understanding Data Comunications, provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of data communications for both students and professionals. Assuming no prior knowledge of the field, it presents an overview of the role of communications, their importance, and the fundamental concepts of using the ISO's 7-layer approach to present the various aspects of networking.
* Covers the evolving high speed network access via digital subscriber line, cable modems and wireless communication.
* Examines the role of regulatory and standardization bodies, the operation of the Internet and the use of a variety of electronic applications.
* Includes a series of comprehensive questions covering the important concepts from each section.
* Describes the digital network used by communications carriers and the methods used to obtain access to the digital highway.
* Discusses frequency division multiplexing which forms the foundation for the operation of several types of high speed digital subscriber line.
Aimed at the senior level undergraduate and graduate computer science student, it is also essential reading for data processing professionals and those involved in computer science and data communications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Book Purchase Remark
The book is very useful and contains a substantial amount of information from the fundamental level to an advance level of understanding communication. Thanks for delivering the book on schedule. Hope to purchase from Amazon soon. ... Read more

Book Description
* Provides frameworks and methodology for solving problems as technology continues to advance
* Starts with the overall business problem, and then shows how technology can solve the problem
* Provides an in-depth applied understanding of the technology covered and is targeted to the IT employees who actually build the networks
* Business-oriented, problem-solving approach, including real business case studies stressing the business impact of data communications ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Very Informative
Taking into consideration that this is a text book and I've only gotten through the first 3 chapters I find it a very informative, in-depth, and readable book.The information is provided in a manner that the average, non-computer, person can understand and absorb.I am an older adult returning to school after 20 years.It is hard to retain almost anything these days but this text makes it easier than most.I won't say its easy, that is a matter of personal opinion, but easier in the sense that you can read a section and still realize that you understand what it is you just read and that it flowed smoothly from the previous section; incorporating previously stated ideas and information while addressing new ones.

Best Pick
I read the third edition front to back.If the forth edition is anything like the third, you won't be disappointed.

Business Oriented
one of the best books in its field, gives details yet doesn't go deeper than what business students would like, its language is easy yet specific and use network jargons. in short, buy it.

local area network
i want to know more about local area networks

The book is focused on applying the material.
I just finished a course on data communications at a local college.SinceI knew absolutely nothing about the topic.I had nowhere to go but up.MrGoldman's book is very readableand is chock filled with charts, checkofflists and such that I will use when I get into the IT field.His objectiveto get the reader to think in terms of applying the material rather thanmemorizing it.He suceeds.Does he have any other related works outthere? I'll buy them. ... Read more

Book Description

Dashboards have become popular in recent years as uniquely powerful tools for communicating important information at a glance. Although dashboards are potentially powerful, this potential is rarely realized. The greatest display technology in the world won't solve this if you fail to use effective visual design. And if a dashboard fails to tell you precisely what you need to know in an instant, you'll never use it, even if it's filled with cute gauges, meters, and traffic lights. Don't let your investment in dashboard technology go to waste.

This book will teach you the visual design skills you need to create dashboards that communicate clearly, rapidly, and compellingly. Information Dashboard Design will explain how to:

• Avoid the thirteen mistakes common to dashboard design
• Provide viewers with the information they need quickly and clearly
• Apply what we now know about visual perception to the visual presentation of information
• Minimize distractions, cliches, and unnecessary embellishments that create confusion
• Organize business information to support meaning and usability
• Create an aesthetically pleasing viewing experience
• Maintain consistency of design to provide accurate interpretation
• Optimize the power of dashboard technology by pairing it with visual effectiveness

Stephen Few has over 20 years of experience as an IT innovator, consultant, and educator. As Principal of the consultancy Perceptual Edge, Stephen focuses on data visualization for analyzing and communicating quantitative business information. He provides consulting and training services, speaks frequently at conferences, and teaches in the MBA program at the University of California in Berkeley. He is also the author of Show Me the Numbers: Designing Tables and Graphs to Enlighten. Visit his website atwww.perceptualedge.com.

Customer Reviews (33)

If You Like Pie Charts, Please Buy This Book.
First, I think this book has something to offer to everyone. But if you have already read at least two of Edward Tufte's books on visualizing information, then you are probably better off borrowing and browsing through this book for 20 or 30 minutes rather than purchasing it. The book is mostly derivative of the kind of work Tufte does, so it won't offer a lot of new ideas for readers well-read in the area. The first chapter contains an overview of the history/main issues in dashboard design. The final chapter includes helpful good and bad examples that demonstrate the main ideas introduced in this book. I think anyone can take something away from these sections of the book.

For the rest of you... do you think pie charts are pretty? Do you like those default 3D bar charts in MS Excel? For the sake of everyone you work with, please pick up this book. It's a good overview of issues in this area and you will be better at communicating information if you pay attention to the ideas and study all the examples of this book.

My Reference for Dashboard Design
If you were to listen to Dashboard software vendors then you'd think that information dashboards are built with speed dial, 3D pie-charts and bar-charts and nice background images. Of course what do these vendors know.

In this book you will find examples for many industries of what a good information dashboard could be like. It really is a learn by example. But as you go through the book, you notice that the same graphics artifacts are used again and again.

The author shows you to use the best artifacts for a given objective: sparklines, bar-charts, dot-plots and tables. You will also learn to make good use of your chart axis and borders so that they too can provide valuable information.

I've not read dozens of books on the topic but this one is certainly one of the very good one. He is also part of the Edward Tufte school of thought, to which I also adhere.

My Type of Design Book
I stumbled across this while browsing around a Chapters bookstore in Vancouver and I'm glad I did.It's inexpensive, short and to the point, full of colourful examples and well worth my time.

I couldn't say whether or not this information is better seen elsewhere (I haven't yet read Tufte) I will say that I did learn much from its presentation here and highly recommend it to anyone working on a dashboard.One could level the same criticisms against Don't Make Me Think, but its brief and quirky presentation elevates it over its sources' typically verbose and dry styles.Perhaps that's the same with Few, I couldn't say.

If you're anywhere near a dashboard, I suggest giving this a quick read.

Elegant Simplicity
All of us are living with more data in our lives. Every day the amount of data is growing. Not surprisingly, there is also a growing number of software companies attempting to "help" us navigate all of this data. Dashboards are a recent advancement in database and business intelligence software that attempts to consolidate all of the reports, charts, graphs that we use all day onto a single screen. Unfortunately, most software vendors have missed the mark. They have not done a great job with the visual design of dashboards.

Stephen Few provides a great overview of dashboard design in this book. Chapter three is particularly good. In it, he lists thirteen common mistakes of dashboard design. Business intelligence software vendors and consultants should definitely read this. Like Edward Tufte before him, Few promotes elegant simplicity as a design goal for visual interfaces. He goes deeper than Tufte, however, and provides many more specific examples.

Excellent "How to do" guideline
This book provides a very good framework for how to graphically design performance dashboards.
It focuses entirely on the graphical design and does not take into account aspects of selecting the right KPIs, how to gather data, and how to make dashboards interactive and supporting root cause analysis.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent book!
This is a very good book! It delves into the details right from the start.I recommend this book to anyone in the data communications field.It can be a bit dry and complex, but the material is complete and after two or so perusals is easy to understand.This book was used in my graduate course for data communications. Excellent book!

A bit dry sometimes, but extremely complete
I have been using Fred Halsall's book in my computer engineering degree and it has been very useful. This is a dense, fat book that will provide lots of information.It covers the basics, from the essential theory about digital transmission, protocol basics and implementation methods, legacy and wireless LANs, HS LANs, transparent and source routing bridges, packet switching and frame relay networks/protocols, internetworking architectures, protocols and routing algorithms, multiservice broadband networks, TCP/IP and OSI application protocols, data encryption and network security, network management structures like SNMP and CMIP and other stuff. I can complain about some of the excessive use of acronyms that leave some areas of the book much harder to read. I'm talking about hundreds of acronyms here.

Also, Fred's writing is sometimes a bit too dry, sometimes forgetting to give the readera general idea about the subject, instead of just jumping into all the details. This is something that is better done in other books, especially Andrew Tanenbaum's "Computer Networks". Tanenbaum also shares his sense of humour, which, in a dense volume about telecommunications, ends up refreshing the user. Also, Tanenbaum's dares to share his opinion sometimes, something Halsall seldom does, giving us only the facts and nothing more. But if it's the facts you want, he's good at it.

I found most of the book clear; the section about Huffman data compression for instance, was excellent. I remember having some trouble with the Viterbi EC algorithm, which isn't very well explained. The book also lacks information about some more modern technologies like GSM.

In general, this is a very competent title, and a great resource to the student or the computer professional. Be sure to check Andrew S. Tanenbaum's "Computer Networks", since you might prefer it to this title, or, the perfect choice, get both. (I have them both and some subjects are a lot better in one book, and others are a lot better in the other title).

Data Communications, Computer Networks and Open Systems (Ele
Excellent book. I have read first edition (1992) and now it is one of my best reference at the university where I teach.

I am going to buy this last edition to keep updated. ... Read more

Book Description
Instrumentation and control systems are highly reliant on data communications, so a working knowledge of the latest communications technologies and the essential protocols is essential for anyone designing, specifying or using instrumentation and control systems. This book is the only title on the market designed specifically for this audience. This is a comprehensive treatment of industrial data communication systems. Commencing with a thorough discussion of the popular RS-232, RS-422 and RS-485 standards it then moves on to industrial protocols, industrial networks and the communication requirements for the 'smart' instrumentation which is becoming de rigeur in industry today. The book also provides a solid grounding in the various Fieldbus and DeviceNet standards on the market today. This book provides you with the knowledge to analyse, specify and debug data communications systems in the instrumentation and control environment.

*The essential guide to communications techologies and protocols for engineers designing, specifying or using instrumentation and control systems
*Provides the knowledge required to analyze, specify and debug data communication systems, introducing the latest digital technologies
*Coverage includes RS-232, RS422 and RS-485 standards, industrial networks and protocols, smart instrumentation, FieldBus and DeviceNet standards ... Read more