Thoroughly updated for currency, this book offers a clear presentation of data communications and network fundamentals. Featuring a wide array of applications, the book fully explains concepts and supports them with case studies or descriptions of specific software and other products. Students learn the protocols of analog and digital signals, data compression, data integrity, data security, local area networks, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), and much more. The third edition includes important information on the latest developments of the Internet.

Annotation 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 the fundamentals in a clear, straightforward manner. Students will find better coverage, improved figures and better explanations on cutting-edge material. The "bottom-up" approach allows instructors to cover the material in one course, rather than having separate courses on data communications and networking

Who This Book Is For This book was written as a comprehensive guide to the evolution and modern development associated with the various facts of the field of data communications. As such, this book can be used as a textbook both by students and professionals. Each chapter includes a quiz to test your knowledge, and the answers to questions are contained at the back of this book. This Book's Approach to Data Communications The modern society we live in today is a communications-oriented society. Thus, the goal of this book is to assist readers in understanding how this society operates by examining the basic structure of the field of data communications. This book explains how different communications devices operate, describes the different types of transmission facilities used to transport information, and examines such emerging technologies as digital subscriber lines and cable modems that might revolutionize the manner by which we work. For readers who surf the Web with conventional modems, imagine being able to transmit and receive data at a speed several orders of magnitude beyond what we now do. The possibilities for new applications become almost endless. Soon, we will be able to visit museums and join virtual lectures on the style of different artists, and we'll be able to zoom in to see minute details that might previously have required a trip around the world. Soon, we will be able to talk and view our parents, business associates, or pen pals located hundreds or thousands of miles away as if they were in our living rooms or offices, and we will do so not only on our home computer but on our cell phone! So join me in examining the field of data communications as we explore its evolution and the technical aspects of equipment and transmission facilities that make the wonderful world of data communications a reality. 0672322161P03252002

This expanded and completely updated edition, of the popular text reflects the major changes to communications technology since 1990. New coverage includes discussions of ATM and Frame Relay, Ethernet and Token-Ring Networks, and expanded treatment of satellite communications. There is also new material on the ATM LAN versus WAN evolution as well as new sections on LAN networking and Internetworking. Emphasis is given throughout to reflect the emergence of the Internet with timely information on TCP/IP, NetWare, and LAN applications.

Data communications can be considered as the tether that binds modern society together. The impetus for this timely book is the importance and dependence upon communications. The author provides a detailed examination of its evolution, technology and future, focusing upon the characteristics, operation and utilization of data communications components that are the building blocks upon which networks are erected. Packed with illustrations, tables and schematic diagrams to fully explain concepts, theory and practice.