This concise book provides an objective introduction to local area networks - how they work, what they do, and how you can benefit from them. It outlines the pros and cons of the most common configurations so you can evaluate them in light of your own needs. You'll also learn about network software, with special emphasis on the ISO layered model of communications protocols.

Local Area Networks: An Introduction to the Technology, Second Edition is intended for those who want to become more familiar with local area networks (LANs) without facing the challenge of a 400-page text. The goals of the book are to give prospective LAN users or purchasers familiarity with the concepts involved and to provide a head start for reading more detailed texts. Since LAN product offerings are constantly changing, a deliberate attempt has been made to emphasize the general principles, operating characteristics, and problem areas of LANs, rather than cite specific product examples.

AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORKS is a comprehensive text book which is focused and designed to elaborate the technical contents in the light of TCP/IP reference model exploring both digital and analog data communication. Various communication protocols of different layers are discussed along with their pseudo-code. This book covers the detailed and practical information about the network layer alongwith information about IP including IPV6, OSPF, and internet multicasting. It also covers TCP congestion control and emphasizes on the basic principles of fundamental importance concerning the technology and architecture and provides detailed discussion of leading edge topics of data communication, LAN & Network Layer.

Readers of this book will learn about Local Area Network (LAN) basics through the analysis of case studies that explore common operating systems, network services, security, and more! Each chapter of this innovative manual develops a concrete foundation in LAN concepts and applications by exposing readers to a variety of situations and networks. A back-of-book CD-ROM that contains PowerPoint presentations gives detailed examples of what a business presentation for each case study would look like. Excel spreadsheets are also included so that users can input costs and other data to fashion their own real world presentations for a hands-on learning experience.

Offers readers an authoritative, in-depth exploration of the local area network. This book incorporates the latest technology, protocols, techniques, and hardware and software employed in computer networking.

What is a computer network and how does it work? How will your business benefit from a network? What type of network will best serve your needs? Introduction to Local Area Networks helps you answer these and many other critical questions. Using non-technical terms, it explores the fundamentals of computer networking, focusing on how a network can meet common business needs. Learn how a network can enable you to share data safely and effectively, support remote access by off-site personnel, and ensure that vital business information is accurate and up-to-date. With this book, you'll be able to learn how networks work, choose suitable network hardware, choose the right network operating system, choose applications and groupware, decide whether to build an Intranet, and hire and work with a network consultant.

How to use LANs to help your company grow A vital component of today’s business, Local Area Networks (LANs) allow organizations to link their computers together for maximum work sharing, collaboration among geographically disparate teams, and other essential business functions. This book helps system administrators and IT professionals set up LANs and Intranets in a way that will contribute to their company’s growth and success. Beginning with the theoretical foundation for LAN operation and design, it covers the applicable data communications principles, then goes on to explore both LAN hardware and infrastructure design, network operating systems, LAN management and security. The book also gives a practical introduction to the world’s most popular network operating systems—Windows 2000, Novell NetWare, and Linux. Finally, the book takes an in-depth look at business and management issues, with special emphasis given to the impact of Intranets on business goals.

This book provides a clear and easy to follow treatment of communications and networking. It is written specifically for undergraduates who have no previous experience in the field. The author takes a step-by-step approach, with many examples and exercises designed to give the reader experience and increase confidence by using and designing communications systems. Written by a lecturer with many years' experience teaching undergraduate programmes, the text takes the reader through the essentials of networking and provides a comprehensive, reliable and thorough treatment of the subject. The book is also accessible for business professionals.