Computer Network

There are two sides of computer revolution: one is represented by the PC on your desktop and the second one by the device that remote-controls your TV, monitors and operates your car engine, and allows you to set up your answering machine and your microwave oven. Man's constant quest to communicate has resulted in a quantum leap in technology related to data communications. For the past quarter century the maximum obtainable transmission rate on many types of communications facilities has doubled every three to five years. During the past few years this growth rate has accelerated, with emerging technologies providing a transmission capability, an order of magnitude or more above what were considered high operating rates just a year or two ago. Accompanying this growth and, in many cases, providing the impetus for the technological developments that made such growth possible are communications-dependent applications.

This book examines a wide range of techniques, technologies and systems used in data communications and computer networks. In particular it addresses a variety of data transmission methods used to convey data between physically distant locations. A number of types of network are considered which may interconnect a few or many thousands of users on either a permanent or temporary, switched basis. In order to support successful communication, a set of rules and procedures has been developed, many of which are embodied in internationally agreed standards. We shall look at the standard bodies and their standards and recommendations and also how they are used in practice.

1. COMPUTER NETWORK FUNDAMENTALS

2. THE PHYSICAL LAYER

3. DATA LINK LAYER

4. THE MEDIUM ACCESS CONTROL SUBLAYER

5. THE NETWORK LAYER

6. THE TRANSPORT LAYER

7. THE APPLICATION LAYER

8. COMPUTER NETWORK SECURITY

Glossary

Index