Computer networks, once devoted primarily to research, are now an integral part of modern life. People rely on them to do real work, such as handling bank transactions or making airline reservations. Routers and bridges are needed to form networks of reasonable size. To manage a network, build a system that will attach to it, or make intelligent decisions about equipment, it is necessary to understand these devices.
At last, with this authoritative book by one of the leading originators of router/bridge technology, every computer networking engineer and programmer can turn to a single, definitive source. A nonthreatening introduction for the novice, a resource for implementers and researchers, and a convenient reference for experts, Radia Perlman's book represents a milestone in computer networking technology.
Programmers developing communications software will save invaluable time with this survival guide at their side. Perlman points out the hidden problems, headaches, and errors in the standards, and recommends programming solutions. The reader will come away with an understanding of engineering tradeoffs between different approaches.
Interconnections deals with both the practice and theory of current networking technology, though it avoids tedious queuing theory. Throughout the book, examples are provided in both OSI and Internet (TCP/IP) models. A glossary is included to help cut through the jargon, and there is a description of the directions in which bridges and routers are progressing. For readers interested in contributing to the field, many suggestions are given about areas in which the field could benefit from research.
