The Illustrated Network

The Illustrated Network, Second Edition, presents an illustrated explanation of how TCP/IP works with consistent examples from a real, working network configuration that includes servers, routers, and workstations. Diagnostic traces allow the reader to follow the discussion with unprecedented clarity and precision. True to the title of the book, there are 330+ diagrams and screen shots, as well as topology diagrams and a unique repeating chapter opening diagram. Illustrations are also used as end-of-chapter questions. Based on examples of a complete and modern network, all the material comes from real objects connected and running on the network, not assumptions. The book emphasizes the similarities across all networks, since all share similar components, from the smallest LAN to the global internet. Layered protocols are the rule, and all hosts attached to the Internet run certain core protocols to enable their applications to function properly. The book is organized by networking concepts, from layers, connectivity, and protocols to routers, application management, and security. A section covers client-server applications including DHCP, DNS, HTTP, and SSL; the final section covers media networking including Voice over IP technology. This second edition includes updates throughout and four completely new chapters that introduce developments since the publication of the first edition, including optical networking, cloud concepts, and VXLAN.