Product Description
Data communications and computer networks are becoming increasingly more important--today's business world could not function without either. DATABASE COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTER NETWORKS offers a balance between technical and practical aspects of data communication. Business managers, computer programmers, system designers, and home computer users alike need a through understanding of the basic features, operations, and limitations of different types of computer networks. DATA COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTER NETWORKS introduces concepts that help the reader achieve an in-depth understanding of the often complex topic of data communications and computer networks by balancing the more technical aspects and the everyday practical aspects. The sixth edition retains many of the elements that made the fifth edition so popular, including readability and coverage of the most current technologies. This book offers full coverage of wireless technologies, industry convergence, compression techniques, network security, LAN technologies, VoIP, and expanded coverage of error detection and correction. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Textbook Review
The product was received in the condition described. No further coment. Good product overall. Very pleased.

IT Book not available on IT gadgets.
I have to say that I'm only buying this book for a course.I am VERY disappointed that I can't get this book about technology on my Kindle.I really hate having to lug around 500+ page books that we will only actually use 100 pages of during class that I could have in digital format.Who knows that could definately save the publisher the reviews stating how out of date this book is in reguards to what technologies we are actually using in business.

Outdated to the point of being useless
This book contains some useful information, however, most of the information is horribly outdated. Goes too much into detail about obsolete technologies such as T1 lines and 56K modems. It's fine if they want to cover that for purposes of showing where technology has come from, but it does not go deep into more current technologies. If I wanted a book in networking history, I would have bought one. The latest edition is copyright 2009, but you wouldn't know it from reading the text.

Unfortunately this book is required at my class at DePaul University, so I have no choice but to read and learn about outdated information. If you can avoid a class that assigns this book, I would highly recommend doing that.

I see other reviews of this book are mostly positive, but I cannot see why.

Textbook Review
I was pleased with not only the condition of the book, but the timely manner in which I received my purchase.

Great Book
Great text book, easy to read, and helps you learn what you need to know. ... Read more

Product Description
Written to introduce readers to the fundamental concepts of electronic communications systems, data systems, and networks, this book provides extensive coverage of a wide range of data communications and networking issues while offering preliminary information on basic electronic communications and telecommunications systems.Topics explored include wireless and wireline telecommunications systems, basic data communications networks and systems, local area networks, internetworks, and the Internet including TCP/IP protocol suite.For professionals with a career or interest in electronic communications, data communications, and/or networking, as well as ECT, EET, and CET technologists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very thorough coverage of data communications
Prof. Tomasi taught several of my telecommunication courses when I was a student at DeVry University. It is well written, and makes a good textbook, as well as an excellent reference (I still have my copy). ... Read more

Product Description

Data and Computer Communications, 9e, is a two-time winner of the best Computer Science and Engineering textbook of the year award from the Textbook and Academic Authors Association. It is ideal for one/two-semester courses in Computer Networks, Data Communications, and Communications Networks in CS, CIS, and Electrical Engineering departments.

Customer Reviews (29)

Probably not a good book for newbies
This book is inadequate for people without a decent amount of experience with data communications. The book regularly jumps between from extremely basic to fairly complex information making wild assumptions at the reader's base knowledge. An example of this is evident early on when the book starts by going into detail on what the parts of a wave are and then expecting you to understand Fourier Analysis to the T with very little explanation a few pages later. Charts and diagrams included in the book are referred to pages before and after they actually appear, leading to a lot of flipping back and forth. The charts are also poorly explained and detailed, often leaving out important bits of information that most people with limited knowledge wouldn't be expected to know. The review questions aren't worded well, and often leave you wondering whether or not the author had anyone from outside of his department (or even in his department) actually review his writing.

Sadly, since this is a required reading for my class, there's really nothing I could do to get away from this book. I'd assume that the majority of people looking to purchase this book are in the same position.

Honestly, I could only recommend this to people looking for a refresher on data and computer communications.

Not pleased with quality of book
Would not buy from this seller again; despite book being listed in 'GOOD' condition, the spine had a significant tear and was overpriced.

Poor wording and terminology inconsistencies.
This book is written decently if you are using it a professional reference text. As class textbook it is a poor choice for one reason. The terminology used in the chapter questions does not match up with the terminology used in the rest of the text about half the time. Students are left wondering what the questions are really asking and what some the new terms mean. This book makes the topics way more complicated than they need to be, and it is all a result of terminology inconsistencies.

great book
The book covers most of the important aspects of communication and network. The basics of communication theories including nyquist & shannon . It provides a solid background of network, communication and basics of how things work from network & communicationspoint-view , I loved it

Tariq Al-walah

Great!
Only downfall was the time it took 2 get. Besides that book was in very good condition. No highligts/markings and no bent pages.
Would def do business w/ Seller again. Btw...ty Seller.

Newyorican1 ... Read more

Product Description
Over the past few years, many fundamental changes have occurred in data communications and networking that will shape the future for decades to come.

Updated with the latest advances in the field, Jerry FitzGerald and Alan Dennis' 10^th Edition of Business Data Communications and Networking continues to provide the fundamental concepts and cutting-edge coverage applications that students need to succeed in this fast-moving field. 

Authors FitzGerald and Dennis have developed a foundation and balanced presentation from which new technologies and applications can be easily understood, evaluated, and compared. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

A must read!!!
This book is must read for any networking/data communications amateur and specialist! I thought it was very expensive and only bought it because it is a required text for a course in Data Communications that I am pursuing.Having read it, I am not disappointed.

It is written in a language that makes it easy to understand.There are lots of exercises, case studies and hands and labs that help to reinforce the knowledge.Excellent book!

Great Buy
The book was in great condition and it was the best price I could find. The book arrived very quickly.

Not worth over $100.
You might be required to buy this for a college course (in my case, a graduate CS class) but please don't buy it for any other reason. There are far better resources out there for learning the subject matter - even Wikipedia. College textbooks are a rip-off but this is an egregious example. Out of date and badly proofed, it lacks any kind of focus.

Solid book...
This is a solid book.The material in it is good and well laid out.The author is somehow able to make hard to present material at least easy to read.However, the major complaint is that this book is on its tenth edition yet is full of errata.I don't have any clue how that can happen.Because it is supposed to be an academic type of text, this knocks its star rating down significantly for me.

too many errata
to be honest, this book can give you many information; however, it has too many errata. They will reach the tenth edition until they will reach a clean finalized copy. ... Read more

Product 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

Product Description
Following the boom in networking and data communications advancements throughout industry, this fourth edition of an ISA best-seller gives technical professionals who have little or no background in data communications the knowledge they need to understand, troubleshoot, and maintain both legacy and leading-edge systems. The text emphasizes practical functional aspects of common systems rather than design criteria. It includes a complete description of relevant terminology, standards, and protocols including EIA/TIA 232, 485, and IEEE 802. New material in this edition includes updated information on 100 MBps and 1000 MBps Ethernet, RIP and OSPF router technologies, OLE for Process Control (OPC), ActiveX, and .NET‚™, virtual private networks, and more. A complete glossary and index make the book especially useful as a handy desk reference. The growth and application of data communications in the industrial environment as well as emerging technologies are discussed. Contents: Historical Overview, Communication Foundations, Physical Layer and Data Link Standards, Local Area Networks, Network Operating Systems and LAN Management, Industrial Networks and Applications, Wide Area Networks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An Introduction to Industrial Data Communcations

This is a book for technical professionals who have little or no background in data communications. It will help gain the knowledge they need to understand, troubleshoot, and maintain both legacy and leading-edge systems.

This book emphasizes practical functional aspects of common systems rather than design criteria. It includes descriptions of relevant terminology, standards, and protocols including EIA/TIA 232 and 485, IEEE 488, and IEEE 802, Ethernet, OPC, router technologies, and more.

The book is organized as folows:
- Communications concepts.
- Communications models.
- Serial Communication Standards.
- Local area networks.
- Network software.
- Industrial networks and fieldbuses.
- Wide area networks.
- Internetworking.

I am an Industrial Practitioner of Process Control. I have been working for more than 16 years as an Instrumentation, Automation, and Process Safety and Control Engineer for the Process Industries. I believe that this book will be an excellent reference for any one, students or practitioners, which want to learn about Industrial Data Communications and Networks. I own this book and it has been useful to prepare training materials and tutorials for technicians and operators. ... Read more

Product Description
The objective of this book is to outline the best practice in designing, installing, commissioning and troubleshooting industrial data communications systems. In any given plant, factory or installation there are a myriad of different industrial communications standards used and the key to successful implementation is the degree to which the entire system integrates and works together.

With so many different standards on the market today, the debate is not about what is the best - be it Foundation Fieldbus, Profibus, Devicenet or Industrial Ethernet but rather about selecting the most appropriate technologies and standards for a given application and then ensuring that best practice is followed in designing, installing and commissioning the data communications links to ensure they run fault-free. The industrial data communications systems in your plant underpin your entire operation. It is critical that you apply best practice in designing, installing and fixing any problems that may occur. This book distills all the tips and tricks with the benefit of many years of experience and gives the best proven practices to follow.

The main steps in using today's communications technologies involve selecting the correct technology and standards for your plant based on your requirements; doing the design of the overall system; installing the cabling and then commissioning the system. Fiber Optic cabling is generally accepted as the best approach for physical communications but there are obviously areas where you will be forced to use copper wiring and, indeed, wireless communications. This book outlines the critical rules followed in installing the data communications physical transport media and then ensuring that the installation will be trouble-free for years to come.

The important point to make is that with today's wide range of protocols available, you only need to know how to select, install and maintain them in the most cost-effective manner for your plant or factory - knowledge of the minute details of the protocols is not necessary.

* An engineer's guide to communications systems using fiber optic cabling, copper cabling and wireless technology
* Covers: selection of technology and standards - system design - installation of equipment and cabling - commissioning and maintenance
* Crammed with practical techniques and know how - written by engineers for engineers ... Read more

Product 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. This new edition has been completely updated to reflect the constantly changing world of network technologies, such as bluetooth, wireless and updated security coverage. Optional algorithm sections have been added, which allow instructors to adjust the level of math that they would like to use in the course. The TCP/IP coverage has also been expanded and moved earlier in the new edition. Forouzan's book continues to be supported by an On-line Learning Centre (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 (15)

Book is good but ancient edition
Well this book comes with a very good reputation. And i was stunned by the neat and simple explanation of the concepts, well that was the fifth edition of course, but when i brought this i though how different can it be, but it is this book is lot less detailed. Some concepts are not even covered and again i had to buy dthe latest edition. This book is good, but please look at the edition.

Does the job...
Great book to learn from. Does the job during my open book exams except it does not have the extra chapters like the newer edition. Keeping it as a reference book.

My choice for the text in a single networking course for CIS majors
Several years ago, I unexpectedly found myself teaching a two-course networking sequence in a Computer Information Systems (CIS) program. After one pass through the sequence, I began lobbying for a change to a single networking course. My goal was to drop the more technician-level material in favor of a course where the concentration was on data communications and the structure of the protocols used to do it. Some of this is my personal preference for the applied theory aspects of computing, but the majority was due to the fact that most students were not very interested in technician level material.
This book is the perfect one for my ideal of the single course. The material is segmented into seven parts, based on the layered Internet model. The parts are:

*) Overview of data communications and networking
*) Physical layer
*) Data link control and protocols
*) Network layer
*) Transport layer
*) Application layer

Each part is then segmented into chapters where specific features and protocols of that layer are discussed. For example, the application layer part is constructed of the following chapters:

*) Client-server model: Socket interface
*) Domain name system (DNS)
*) Electronic mail (SMTP) and file transfer (FTP)
*) HTTP and WWW
*) Multimedia
*) Cryptography
*) Message security, user authentication and key management
*) Security protocols in the Internet

The coverage of each of the specific features is very technical; the field structure of all the protocols at all levels is covered in detail. At the end of each chapter, there is a small set of short answer review questions, a set of multiple-choice questions and a set of exercises that require detailed answers.
If I am ever able to realize my dream of converting to the single networking course, this will be the textbook that I use.

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. ... Read more

Product 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

Customer Reviews (2)

Great!
My book got in a lot quicker than I expected to and for a used book it was practically brand new.I was amazed!Def would do business with them again in the future.

Worst textbook ever
The author of this book essentially just copied Wikipedia and Webopedia. I remember all of my professors stating that these two places were NOT official academic sources. That our papers would be docked points if we cited them. I was astounded to see them used as references in a textbook.

Also, Much of the information was so densely compacted and summarized it was hard to follow. Many times, acronyms were used without any explanation as to what they meant.

This, by far, was the worst textbook I had in the entire duration of my educational experience. ... Read more

Product Description

Details the most important techniques used to make the storage and transmission of data fast, secure, and reliable.

Accessible to both specialists and nonspecialists: Avoids complex mathematics

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent and superbly clear
The style, clarity and simplicity with which Mr. Salomon has written this exceptional book will surely make this a classic of computing literature. Most complex concept and ideas are explained with a style that reminds me of very few other authors. Focusing on explaining the underying ideas and not just the formulas or theorems the book takes you through error correction, data compression (lossless and lossy) and cryptography with a language that any educated person can understand. In addition, using no technicality at all, all readers can learn easily. This is one of those very rare books that explains concepts so clearly that at the end of even complex algorithms you find yourself thinking " ... I could have done this myself!".
Surely specialists would want more (and they should then buy Salomon's books on Data Compression), but the book is clearly designed to explain the basic ideas to beginners, and it does a great job at that.

title is a pun
Salomon addresses a need in the marketplace. On one side are the mathematicians, delving ever deeper into information theory and cryptography. On the other are the sysadmins and programmers, who deal with implementation and integration issues, but who often lack the detailed maths background needed in cryptography.

Thus the book is pitched to the latter group. Written by a person clearly in full command of the maths. But the essence of the book is a removal of unnecessary levels of detail, as least as defined by the intended audience. The core ideas are illustrated clearly, without recourse to innumerable theorems and lemmas.

The book's title is also a pun. "Coding" is overloaded, in the argot of object oriented programming. It can mean either cryptographic codes or computer programming. ... Read more

Product Description

Business Data Communications, 6/e, covers the fundamentals of data communications, networking, distributed applications, and network management and security. Stallings presents these concepts in a way that relates specifically to the business environment and the concerns of business management and staff, structuring his text around requirements, ingredients, and applications. All of the material has been updated for the latest technologies and developments in the field, including: specifications of WiFi/IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs, including 802.11n. IP; performance metrics and service level agreements (SLAs); Gigabit Ethernet and 10-Gbps Ethernet standards; New unified communications concepts; expanded, enhanced security material; New online animations illustrate key functions and algorithms in OS design. Appropriate for professionals interested in business data communications.

Customer Reviews (21)

ok Book
I had to buy this book for school.It was ok, the professor mostly taught from this book rather than the other one we had.

There are better books out there
I'm not a big fan of Stalling's writing.This is a text book, I had to use for a networking class.I prefer the networking book by Andrew Tanenbaum (which also happens to be available on the kindle).

How Did This Ever Get to a Sixth Edition?
This the worst text book ever!The writing in the book follows the WOF/AC (Who's on First?/Abbot and Costello) protocol style for English. Use the look inside feature and see. What a disaster. Good thing we had an excellent teacher who could decrypt it.

Good coverage of tech terms
One of the most prolific writers in the data communications texts, Mr. Stallings, did a good job.Somereaders complained that it is too technical.But to understand data communications, you need to know the basic definitions and terminology.There is no short cut.

Why call it "Business Data Communications"?Because it is where you apply the infrastructure, then the company benefits.Especially in today's environment with so much data security, spyware, firewall, etc.

The book will be better, if it provides "hands-on" exercises to implement these strategies.

Good textbook, but not a casual read
This book was required for a graduate class I took.The book is well written, easily understandable, & one of the more up-to-date texts I've read.(not an easy feat in the IT field) ... Read more

Product 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.

Customer Reviews (66)

Excellent resource, with plenty of good examples and advise.
Excellent! Goes hand-in-hand with "Now You See It: Simple Visualization Techniques for Quantitative Analysis". Some overlap between the two, but well worth reviewing the core principles that guide them both.
To a significant degree, I found Stephen Few's books more useful than even Edward Tufte's books, due to the immediate applicability nature of his material (of course, Tufte's books are excellent, too, if you want to learn the whole story... and have enough time to read them).
Highly recommended.
By the way, I suggest trying/playing with Tableau Public, while reading this book (just to be clear, I have no association with Tableau).

Practical and Implementation ideas with rich examples
Brilliant written.
With Do's and Don'ts that are straight to the point, highly applicable and implementable ideas.

Good starter
You could happily skip the first couple of chapters, but that said it's a great introduction to dashboard design. The book covers all the basics if very readable fashion.

Tufte territory
An elegant and thoughtful book, but how much of its content is specific to dashboards, vs. visual display of information in general? Only the discussion of "gauge plots" and their alternatives comes to mind. Next, how does the book address dashboards being presented on a PC screen, vs. on paper? (An interactive multi-screen application vs. an arrangement of plots and tables on a print-out). It does not.

Changed how I design dashboards
You can, as the adage goes, judge a book by its cover. Take, for example, the spartan cover of Stephen Few's Information Dashboard Design: The Effective Visual Communication of Data. Designed by the author himself, it sets the tone for a book dedicated not to a specific tool or performance management methodology, but instead improving how dashboards can most effectively present information.

Dashboards are currently the "in" thing to have. You're simply uncool if your organization doesn't have one. But let's face it. Dashboards are often designed and built by IT geeks (of which I am one). And like the wagon wheel coffee table in When Harry Met Sally... (Collector's Edition), many of our dashboard designs should be hauled out to the curb.

"Above all else, this is a book about communication", writes the author. And Stephen Few delivers, taking the reader on a journey through an unlucky "thirteen common mistakes in dashboard design" (see Chapter 3). Based on research on how humans process visual information (see Chapter 4: Tapping Into the Power of Visual Perception), he lays down principles that shun the "bling" features that look cool in software vendor demos but fall short in actual use. Who knew that sometimes the best way to present numbers is in a, sigh, table instead of a bunch of space hogging speedometers (see Chapter 6: Effective Dashboard Display Media).

In my role of consultant, I am frequently handed a cocktail napkin (less frequently a requirements document) that already lays out the design. So my job is more about following directions, not offering constructive guidance. However, this book has strongly influenced how I approach my work. Though not specifically about Xcelsius (although it is mentioned), I recommend this book and Xcelsius 2008 Dashboard Best Practices to all of my students. I believe its insights will change how you too can improve your dashboards by striving for the effective visual communication of data. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very pleased
Great savings over original price of product and the condition was new. Thanks for such great service. ... Read more

Product Description

Panko teaches students about the technologies that are being used in the marketplace. This text covers market-driven content such as wireless LANs, security and network management, TCP/IP, and application layers. This text would be suitable for business professionals looking for the most recent developments in data communications and networking.

Customer Reviews (15)

Excellent Networking book.
I would like to preface this review by stating that I am an experienced network professional with in field hands on experience, a degree, and a Network+ certification.

I had to buy this book for a class that Im taking to finish my bachelor's degree and I am extremely impressed with this book. I didn't realize how expensive this book was, but trust me, its worth the money. ( I bought it through the school).

The author covers subjects that few networking books cover in a single edition and he includes hands on labs (these labs are some of the more useful ones that I have seen and are some of the most relevant to the field of networking). This books covers topics like VLANs, RSTP, etc. I have seen almost no networking books that cover these topics (in any detail). Also, the author goes the extra mile by explaining that certain technologies are dated.

This is a very good book and one I probably wont sell.

Informative yet Expensive
This book was filled with lots of information about networks, tcpip and other protocols. It does touch on some topics pretty heavily and can get confusing for newbees but overall it is a good book. I used it for a college course but may also be a good reference book. THE PRICE IS STEEP SO NO 5 STARS FROM ME!

Good Seller - Highly Recommended
Delivered the book as promised in a timely manner.Highly recommended to do business with and very pleased with experience. THANK YOU.

Expensive
This is the most expensive textbook that I have ever bought. It is the seventh edition of the book and still it has spelling errors. You would think that if you are paying that much it should be perfect.

On the other hand it is up to date in technology. Networks and telecommunications are in constant change. This book keeps up with those changes.

telecom without the intimidation
Panko succeeds where others fail: to give the reader a 'kind' introduction to telecommunications. Focusing on a basic, introductory understanding of the material, Panko offers clear, simplistic explanations and diagrams to illustrate what would otherwise be dense material. Once this material is grasped, it is easier for readers to move to a more detailed text. But from a cursory standpoint, Panko does just what he set out to do: to give an introduction to this subject with just enough of a 'bite' for students with little or no prior background to decide whether or not this is a field they might like to pursue further. ... Read more

Product Description
This thorough primer examines the technological aspects of networking through a practical approach.Readers will gain knowledge of local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, wireless LANs, wireless MANs, voice over IP (VoIP), as well as asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) and network security.Introductory chapters on foundational topics, such as data communications and computer architecture give readers the knowledge base they need to understand more complex networking concepts.This book effectively utilizes a practical approach to networking rather than a strict focus on theory or math, and requires no prior background in communications technology. ... Read more

Product Description
This book takes readers from a simple DC circuit with its customary current and voltage measurements, through a damped resonant circuit requiring rise time characteristics, to a complex digital circuit that demands sophisticated timing and frequency measurements. It provides students with a sophisticated, comprehensive, powerful, user-friendly learning tool.The continuation of simulation studies includes more advanced topics such as operational amplifiers, digital, and filter design. “Comfortable” yet challenging, multi-level activities, examples, and exercises show learners how to use the program to draw circuits directly on the screen, analyze the circuit in seconds using PSpice, and display the results using sophisticated techniques that go far beyond those possible with conventional instruments. A wide range of electronic theory compliments all the major PSpice techniques and processes.For electrical engineers involved with devices and circuits, operational amplifiers, and digital, analog, and filter design. ... Read more

Product Description
Fully revised and updated, the fourth edition includes new chapters on broadband multi-service networks, a revamped chapter with extended and updated coverage of FDDI, and a new section on Fast Ethernet, covering 100BaseT, 100Base X, wireless LANs, and several additional candidate technologies. ... 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

Product Description
This is a practical, non-mathematical introduction to data communications and is based on the author's belief that today's readers need not only a solid knowledge of how modern data communications technology operates, but also a firm grounding in how it has evolved, and where this evolution will likely take in the future.Topics are discussed at various points in the book in increasing complexity, helping the readers build a solid understanding of key communications. Coverage assumes prior knowledge of modulation, number systems, and digital circuits, and uses only the mathematics needed for understanding. Wherever possible, industry-wide standards rather than more limiting proprietary ones are used. ... Read more

Product Description
As one of the fastest growing technologies in our culture today, data communications and networking presents a unique challenge for instructors. As both the number and types of students are increasing, it is essential to have a textbook that provides coverage of the latest advances, while presenting the material in a way that is accessible to students with little or no background in the field. Using a bottom-up approach, "Data Communications and Networking" presents this highly technical subject matter without relying on complex formulas by using a strong pedagogical approach supported by more than 700 figures. Now in its Fourth Edition, this textbook brings the beginning student right to the forefront of the latest advances in the field, while presenting fundamentals in a clear, straightforward manner. Students will find better coverage, improved figures and better explanations on cutting-edge material. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

An excellent book to start with.
I bought this book 7 or 8 years ago and didn't bother to read till a year ago. I actually didn't have a high expectation on this book after I had read Tanenbaum's and Peterson's book, but it turned out this was actually a pretty good book and I don't know why this book didn't get much attention. It explains the topic in a plain and simple way, yet in depth, so that those who have very little knowledge on the subject can grasp the concepts as well as actual implementations. At a glance, it might look a reference book, but in reality, it has a lot more to let you understand why and how.

This book may not be the one that the professionals are dying to read, but is certainly very good one for the beginners. In fact, I think this is one of the best books to start with, if you are just to start studying the computer networks.

Excellent introductory book on computer networks
One of the more accessible books on computer networks.Very nice and simple illustrations of key concepts.Good explanation of fundamental concepts.Plenty of exercises. Wish I had this book when I started learning about computer networks.

For instructors, this book comes with a comprehensive online resource.In particular, solutions and jpeg images that you can use in your lectures.

Simplified to the Point of Uselesses
Fourazon attempts to take a beautiful science and simplify it down to something that can be memorized, summed up in one-liners, and given to students without even to attempting to explain the why or how behind the different techniques.

In an overzealous attempt to simplify the (admittedly hefty) subject matter of digital and analog signals and conversion between them, Forouzan makes the mistake of giving bullet-like descriptions and analysis of the different techniques and methods; never pausing to explain where they're used, their relative advantages and disadvantages, why/how they work, or even the purposes they serve.

The straight-forward memorization sections of the book (descriptions of protocols, their various implementations, etc.) is pretty good - at the very least, difficult to find obvious fault in. But anything even remotely related to mathematics, electronics, or basic engineering is very-skimpily explained.

"Data Communications and Networking" reads more like a cliffnotes guide than anything else - Fourozan even goes as far as to repeat important sentences that "need to be committed to memory" in cute blue boxes several times per page.

If you want to learn Data Communication, you would be best-served to look for a better guide.

Horrific writing
This textbook is one of the worst I have used in a long time. The only good thing about it is a clean layout. The text is not clear and the explanations are sparse. Forouzan covers too many topics in too few pages.

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. ... Read more