For junior/graduate-level courses including Introduction to Data Communications, Introduction to Networks, Business Telecommunications, Business Data Communications.

Focused on fundamental concepts and practical applications, this text prepares students to make intelligent decisions on the appropriate design, purchase, integration, and use of data communications equipment and systems. Clear, well-balanced, and exceptionally readable, it demystifies every aspect of data communications, including relevant terminology, concepts, hardware, software, protocols, architectures, and current and future products. Its coverage is designed to be both accessible for the novice and challenging for the technical practitioner, offering a broad overview throughout the narrative and advanced discussions in special-interest sidebars.