BKNTRNKG.RVW   950606
 
"Internetworking", Colin Smythe, 1995, 0-201-56536-6, U$37.75
%A   Colin Smythe
%C   1 Jacob Way, Reading, MA   01867-9984
%D   1995
%G   0-201-56536-6
%I   Addison-Wesley Publishing Company
%O   U$37.75 800-822-6339 617-944-3700 Fax: (617) 944-7273 tiffanym@aw.com
%P   473
%S   Data Communications and Networks
%T   "Internetworking"
 
In the "Series Preface," Smythe points out the dichotomy between academic
texts, with an abundance of theoretical detail, and expanded technical manuals,
with no foundational background.  There is a vast gap between these two groups
of the literature.  Smythe's aim is to fill that gap and, at the same time,
produce a work acceptable to the two polar camps.  I submit that he has
succeeded admirably, with a work accurate enough to be used as a course text,
and practical enough to become a technical reference.  The text is clear, the
examples and illustrations taken from both proprietary and open systems, and
the material up to date.
 
The basics of network architecture and internetworking are covered in the first
two chapters, while the next two introduce protocols and the OSI (Open Systems
Interconnection) structure for thinking about communicating systems.  Chapters
five to eight look at local area networks, Ethernet, Token ring and proprietary
systems.  The various types of relays--repeaters, bridges, and routers--are
discussed in chapters nine to twelve.  Chapters thirteen to seventeen address
the more practical and holistic aspects of connecting different network
architectures, management design, and new developments.
 
While not sufficiently detailed as to be a programming guide, this is an
excellent introduction to the concepts and terminology, and a very practical
guide for design.
 
copyright Robert M. Slade, 1995   BKNTRNKG.RVW   950606

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DECUS Canada Communications, Desktop, Education and Security group newsletters
Editor and/or reviewer ROBERTS@decus.ca, RSlade@sfu.ca, Rob Slade at 1:153/733
DECUS Symposium '96, Vancouver, BC, Feb 26-Mar 1, 1996, contact: rulag@decus.ca