The following basic themes serve to unify the discussion:
- Principles: Although the scope of this book is broad, there are a number of basic principles that appear repeatedly as themes and that unify this field. Examples are multiplexing, flow control, and error control. The book highlights these principles and contrasts their application in specific areas of technology.
- Design approaches: The book examines alternative approaches to meeting specific communication requirements.
- Standards: Standards have come to assume an increasingly important, indeed dominant, role in this field. An understanding of the current status and future direction of technology requires a comprehensive discussion of the related standards.
Part One Overview
Part Two Data Communications
Part Three Wide Area Networks
Part Four Local Area Networks
Part Five Internet and Transport Protocols
Part Six Internet Applications