By Bruce Hartpence
Core Network Protocols
Packet Guide to Core Network Protocols is a good book for explaining the most common form of networking, the Internet. It covers the core protocols in use on the Internet today. Unlike some networking texts, you won’t find chapters devoted to obscure topologies that experienced a brief popularity when the Intel 386 chip was all the rage.
The OSI model is explained as it relates to the core protocols and is followed by TCP/IP, ARP, Ethernet, and ICMP. The various types of hardware are discussed and their differences addressed. Chapter 5 explains hubs, repeaters, routers, switches and bridges, access points and home gateways. Chapter 7 covers subnetting.
Each chapter ends with a summary, review questions followed by the answers. I enjoyed the fact that the answers were in close proximity to the questions. For those wishing to delve deeper into a subject, there are plenty of links to additional resources.
This book uses Wireshark software as a teaching tool. It is available for the Windows, Macs, and Linux. This is a powerful packet tool and care should be exercised to not violate your ISP’s terms of service regarding packet sniffing. Use this on your own network and you should not have an issue. Overall I found this book to be better than some network texts I have read and consider it a good addition to my library. Learn more about Packet Guide to Core Network Protocols
Purchasing Options
- Packet Guide to Core Network Protocols – O’Reilly Media
- Packet Guide to Core Network Protocols [Kindle Edition] – Amazon.com
Disclosure: I received a free ebook copy for review purposes.