Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach 7th Edition

by James Kurose, Keith Ross

For courses in Networking/Communications

Motivates readers with a top-down, layered approach to computer networking

Unique among computer networking texts, the Seventh Edition of the popular Computer A Top Down Approach builds on the author’s long tradition of teaching this complex subject through a layered approach in a “top-down manner.” The text works its way from the application layer down toward the physical layer, motivating readers by exposing them to important concepts early in their study of networking. Focusing on the Internet and the fundamentally important issues of networking, this text provides an excellent foundation for readers interested in computer science and electrical engineering, without requiring extensive knowledge of programming or mathematics. The Seventh Edition has been updated to reflect the most important and exciting recent advances in networking.

Genres: Computer Science

1706 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 17, 2021

Reviews

[Wendelle]

dude loves his analogies... analogies on data transmission on every page, analogies everywhere

[K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book during my undergraduate studies in Computer Science, where it was central to my Computer Networking module. To be frank, I was forced to read this textbook and prior to learning about Computer Networking I had no interest in the topic. However, after learning everything I do have a lot of love for the subject. Perhaps it is an effect similar to that of the IKEA effect.

The book takes a top-down approach to networking. In the field of Networking, many scientists have designed computer networks using the seven-layer OSI model, where each layer is intended to function independently. The authors dedicate a chapter to each layer, making it possible to understand one chapter without needing extensive knowledge from the previous ones. That is what is meant by a "Top-Down Approach"

However, as the book progresses, it becomes clear that these layers are not entirely independent and do interact with each other.

One thing I love about the textbook is where the authors discuss how Computer Networking has evolved over time and where they also discuss the history of the subject. It is a relatively new subject that is still evolving!

From my recollection, the textbook is not too heavy on Mathematics. Though I doubt there is much Maths in any Introductory Computer Networking textbook.

When I had first started reading the textbook, I had written down some questions that I was interested in having answered e.g. When I go on goodreads.com, what is happening behind the scenes?

In the later chapters, everything comes together but by the time I had reached the later chapters I was too exhausted to even try and answer my initial questions. Believe me when I say there is a lot going on behind the scenes when you access the internet.

If you are not aware, Dr Jim Kurose (one of the authors of the book), has uploaded a free video series on YouTube where he goes through chapters of the textbook and explains them. That video series has been a godsend as without it I would have really struggled with Computer Networking. However, as of 2024 the video series is unfinished and there are a few chapters that he has not gone through.

Dr. Kurose's explanations in the videos are fantastic and have saved me a lot of time. Additionally, he has an online interactive platform where you can test your knowledge on different end of chapter questions. I used this platform extensively while revising, although there are a few errors in the marking of the questions

Thanks to Dr. Jim Kurose, I have developed a passion for networking, and his enthusiasm is evident throughout the book.

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the analogies, and the figures, and around half, maybe more, of every chapter, but there's too much detail, and the review questions are, frankly, scary

[KiniGini · Rating 3 out of 5]

the blurb really says it all

[Nathaniel Hahn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to read it for a course, enjoyed the approach.

[D V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best network manual