Written by a leading computer networking authority, this widely used text provides a thorough, state-of-the-art overview of networking and Internet technology and is ideal for those with little or no background in the subject. Broad in coverage - and highly accessible - it provides a comprehensive, self-contained tour through all of networking - from the lowest levels of data transmission and wiring to the highest levels of application software. An accompanying multimedia CD-ROM and Web site provide opportunities for a variety of hands-on experiences.