Networks are groups of computers that communicate by either cable or wireless transmissions. By
the use of computer networking, we can share data with others. Today, all businesses, small or
large use some type of computers and most use computer networking to handle their daily
business operations such as bookkeeping, inventory tracking, document storing, and e-mail.
Networks are growing in size and complexity and this trend has created a rapid increase for
networking engineers to provide practical and efficient solutions. Networking needs vary from one
network to another; there is no such thing as “one size fits all.” Also, a properly designed network
must allow for expansion. The management of a small company may feel that this advanced
technology is of no use to them since their monetary budget is limited. However, with proper
planning, small companies can start with an affordable and versatile network and later expand on
the next level of affordability.
This text is the second edition and presents updated networks material. The word “design” on
the title of this book implies the purchasing and installation of the essential hardware and
software that one must collect to assemble an effective computer network. Basically, it means the
building of a network. The word “management” is used to denote the duties and responsibilities of
a network administrator. Of course, one may argue that network management should include the
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) and Remote Monitoring (RMON). While this is
true, a detailed treatment of those two topics are beyond the scope of this book. Chapters 8 and 9
are introductions to those two topics. SNMP and RMON are discussed in books that are devoted
just to these topics.
This book is primarily intended for those student and working professionals that have the desire to
become network administrators. However, all practicing engineers will find it to be a very valuable
source of information on this subject. It contains very interesting topics, and with the exception of
a simple example on Chapter 1, the material requires no mathematical operations.
The author makes no claim to originality of content or of treatment, but has taken care to present
concepts, definitions, and statements.
A few years ago, telephone networks and computer networks were considered two separate
entities. Nowadays, these two technologies are rapidly merging into one. For this reason, Chapter
1 begins with a discussion of the basic components of telephone and computer networks, and their
interaction. This chapter continues with the introduction of the centralized and distributive
processing networks, and outlines the differences among these networks. It concludes with a
discussion of Local Area Networks (LANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), and Wide Area Networks (WANs).