We've ranked the best computer networks books using expert recommendations, sales data, and millions of reader ratings. At Shortform, we know books. Our book guides are the best in the world. Learn why.
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5At last, Hafner and Lyon have written a well-researched story of the origins of the Internet substantiated by extensive interviews with its creators who delve into many interesting details such as the controversy surrounding the adoption of our now beloved "@" sign as the separator of usernames and machine addresses. Essential reading for anyone interested in the past -- and the future -- of the Net specifically, and telecommunications generally.
Recommended by Lev Grossman.If you want to go all the way back, Janet Abbate’s Inventing The Internet really takes it all the way back to the Eisenhower administration and the very beginnings of electronic computers. [source]
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11First in a series of 2 reference guides that will make your life easier preparing for the Network+ certification exam with the most thorough yet compact and succinct study tool on the market. Six durably laminated pages, easy to store and review anywhere with concise answers and examples providing key content for unlocking the best score on the exam. Author George Antoniou, PhD, is a professor with 30 years of experience in information security, risk management, and quality assurance compliance as well as strategic planning and enterprise level security architecture, plus security operations and policy development in small-medium-large, national and multi-national complex information security technology infrastructures. His experience providing instruction ensures this guide is a handy and powerful tool. We guarantee you will find answers faster than any book or website for a price that makes it easy to add this to your Network+ test prep toolbox. Based on studies regarding retention with screens verses tactile in-hand study tools, along with the growing sales of our computer titles, print is not dead – give it a try. 6 page laminated guide includes explanations, differences, and examples within: NETWORKING CONCEPTS Explain Concepts Related to the OSI Reference Model Layer 1: physical, Layer 2: data link, Layer 3: network, Layer 4: transport, Layer 5: session, Layer 6: presentation, Layer 7: application Compare & Contrast Networking Appliances, Applications & Functions Physical & virtual appliances Applications, Functions Summarize Cloud Concepts & Connectivity Options Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) Virtual Private Cloud (VPC) Network security groups Network security lists Cloud gateways, Cloud connectivity options Deployment models, Service models, Key cloud concepts Explain Common Networking Ports, Protocols, Services & Traffic Types Common ports & protocols IP types, Traffic types Compare & Contrast Transmission Media & Transceivers Transmission media Transceivers Connector types Compare & Contrast Network Topologies, Architectures & Types Topologies Traffic flows Given a Scenario, Use Appropriate IPv4 Network Addressing Public vs. private addressing Subnetting IPv4 address classes Summarize Evolving Use Cases for Modern Network Environments SDN & SD-WAN, VXLAN, ZTA, SASE/SSE, IaC, IPv6 addressing NETWORK IMPLEMENTATION Explain Characteristics of Routing Technologies Static routing, Dynamic routing Route selection, Address translation FHRP, VIP Subinterfaces Given a Scenario, Configure Switching Technologies & Features VLAN, Interface configuration, STP, MTU Given a Scenario, Select & Configure Wireless Devices & Technologies Channels, Frequency options SSID Network types Encryption Guest networks Authentication Antennas Autonomous vs. lightweight AP Explain Important Factors of Physical Installations Important installation implications Power considerations Environmental factors
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20Artificial intelligence is redefining the scale, architecture, and performance expectations of modern data centers. Training large ML models demand infrastructure capable of moving massive data sets through highly parallel, compute-intensive environments―where traditional data center designs simply can’t keep up.AI Data Center Network Design and Technologies is the first comprehensive, vendor-agnostic guide to the design principles, architectures, and technologies that power AI training and inference clusters. Written by leading experts in AI Data center design, this book helps engineers, architects, and technology leaders understand how to design and scale networks purpose-built for the AI era.INSIDE, YOU’LL LEARN HOW TOArchitect scalable, high-radix network fabrics to support xPU (GPE, TPU)-based AI clustersIntegrate lossless Ethernet/IP fabrics for high-throughput, low-latency data movementAlign network design with AI/ML workload characteristics and server architecturesAddress challenges in cooling, power, and interconnect design for AI-scale computingEvaluate emerging technologies from the Ultra Ethernet Consortium (UEC) and their affect on future AI data centersApply best practices for deployment, validation, and performance measurement in AI/ML environmentsWith broad coverage of both foundational concepts and emerging innovations, this book bridges the gap between network engineering and AI infrastructure design. It empowers readers to understand not only how AI data centers work―but why they must evolve.
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24Kubernetes has become one of the most important technologies for modern systems engineers. It is used to deploy applications, operate containers, manage traffic, handle configuration, improve reliability, and build scalable platforms. However, beginners often find Kubernetes difficult because it combines many areas at once: Linux, containers, networking, storage, security, monitoring, automation, and production operation.This book explains Kubernetes from the ground up for readers who want to understand it as systems engineers. The material begins with the operational problems Kubernetes solves, then moves step by step through containers, clusters, nodes, Pods, Deployments, Services, Ingress, Gateway API, ConfigMaps, Secrets, storage, health checks, security, observability, autoscaling, manifest management, delivery workflows, extensibility, and production operations.The explanations are written for beginners, but the scope is practical enough for engineers who want to build a strong foundation for real work. Technical terms are explained when they first appear, and difficult concepts are broken down with plain-language explanations and concrete examples. The book also includes many practical kubectl commands and YAML manifest examples so that readers can connect each concept to actual Kubernetes operations.This book is designed to help readers understand Kubernetes not only as a deployment tool, but as a control system for operating applications across many machines. By learning the desired state model, reconciliation, controllers, scheduling, networking, storage, security, troubleshooting, and release workflows, readers can build a clearer mental model of how Kubernetes works in real environments.Recommended for:- Systems engineers who want to learn Kubernetes from the basics- Beginners who need a structured explanation of clusters, Pods, Services, and Deployments- Engineers who want to understand Kubernetes operations, troubleshooting, and security- Readers preparing to work with container platforms in cloud or on-premises environments- Developers and infrastructure engineers who want to read Kubernetes YAML with confidenceMain topics covered:- Kubernetes fundamentals and architecture- Containers, images, registries, and kubectl basics- Pods, Deployments, StatefulSets, DaemonSets, Jobs, and CronJobs- Scheduling, resource requests, limits, node selection, taints, and tolerations- Services, DNS, Ingress, Gateway API, and external traffic- ConfigMaps, Secrets, and application configuration patterns- PersistentVolumes, PersistentVolumeClaims, StorageClasses, and stateful data- Liveness probes, readiness probes, startup probes, and graceful shutdown- RBAC, service accounts, Pod security, NetworkPolicy, and image security- Logs, metrics, events, traces, troubleshooting, and debugging workflows- Autoscaling, capacity planning, quotas, and shared-cluster governance- Kustomize, Helm, deployment strategies, GitOps concepts, and production readinessIf you want to learn Kubernetes in a clear and structured way, this book provides a practical foundation for understanding both the concepts and the operational thinking required to use Kubernetes effectively.
26CompTIA Network+ N10-009 Exam Cram is an all-inclusive study guide designed to help you pass the updated version of the CompTIA Network+ exam. Prepare for test day success with complete coverage of exam objectives and topics, plus hundreds of realistic practice questions. Extensive prep tools include quizzes, Exam Alerts, and our essential last-minute review Cram Sheet. The powerful Pearson Test Prep practice software provides real-time assessment and feedback with two complete exams.Covers the critical information needed to score higher on your Network+ N10-009 exam!Establish network connectivity by deploying wired and wireless devicesLearn the purpose of documentation and maintain network documentationConfigure common network servicesLearn basic datacenter, cloud, and virtual networking conceptsMonitor network activity and troubleshoot performance and availability issuesImplement network security hardening techniquesManage, configure, and troubleshoot network infrastructurePrepare for your exam with Pearson Test PrepRealistic practice questions and answersComprehensive reporting and feedbackCustomized testing in study, practice exam, or flash card modesComplete coverage of CompTIA Network+ N10-009 exam objectives
27Satellite communications are at the core of modern global connectivity—powering broadband internet, television broadcasting, aviation, maritime operations, defense systems, and next-generation space networks. Satcom Fundamentals: The Training Manual provides a clear, structured, and technically solid introduction to this field, bridging theory and real-world practice.Designed as both a learning guide and a field-ready reference, this book takes readers from the very foundations of communication systems to modern satellite technologies such as High-Throughput Satellites (HTS), LEO constellations, software-defined payloads, and 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN).What You’ll LearnHow satellite communication systems work end-to-end: uplink, transponder, and downlinkThe electromagnetic spectrum and frequency bands used in Satcom (L, S, C, X, Ku, Ka)Digital communication fundamentals: modulation, coding, and error correction (FEC)Satellite orbits (GEO, MEO, LEO) and coverage conceptsGround segment components: antennas, gateways, VSATs, and user terminalsLink budget analysis explained step by stepSatellite network architectures and protocolsSecurity, regulation, and spectrum coordinationEmerging technologies shaping the future of satellite communicationsEach chapter includes clear explanations, summary tables, real-world examples, and self-assessment questions, making complex concepts easier to understand and apply.Who This Book Is ForEngineering students entering satellite or wireless communicationsTelecom and IT engineers expanding into SatcomVSAT technicians, NOC engineers, and field engineersProfessionals preparing for satellite communications certificationsAerospace, defense, and government personnelAnyone seeking a solid technical foundation in satellite communicationsNo prior satellite experience is required—only a basic technical background.Why This Book Is DifferentWritten with a clear, structured, and pedagogical approachFocuses on understanding, not memorizationBalances theory with real-world operational insightSuitable for self-study, training programs, and onboardingWhether you are starting your journey in satellite communications or strengthening your professional foundation, Satcom Fundamentals: The Training Manual equips you with the knowledge and intuition needed to understand how modern satellite systems really work.
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33CompTIA® Network+ 2 - Operations, Security & Troubleshooting Second in a series of 2 reference guides that will make your life easier preparing for the Network+ certification exam with the most thorough yet compact and succinct study tool on the market. Six durably laminated pages, easy to store and review anywhere with concise answers and examples providing key content for unlocking the best score on the exam. Author George Antoniou, PhD, is a professor with 30 years of experience in information security, risk management, and quality assurance compliance as well as strategic planning and enterprise level security architecture, plus security operations and policy development in small-medium-large, national and multi-national complex information security technology infrastructures. His experience providing instruction ensures this guide is a handy and powerful tool. We guarantee you will find answers faster than any book or website for a price that makes it easy to add this to your Network+ test prep toolbox. Based on studies regarding retention with screens verses tactile in-hand study tools, along with the growing sales of our computer titles, print is not dead – give it a try. 6 page laminated guide includes explanations, differences, and examples within: NETWORK OPERATIONS Explain the Purpose of Organizational Processes & Procedures Documentation Life-cycle management, Change management, Configuration management Production configuration Given a Scenario, Use Network Monitoring Technologies Methods, Solutions Explain DR Concepts DR metrics, DR sites High-availability approaches, Testing Given a Scenario, Implement IPv4 & IPv6 Network Services Dynamic addressing, Name resolution, Time protocols Compare & Contrast Network Access & Management Methods Site-to-site VPN, Client-to-site VPN Connection methods Jump box/host In-band vs. out-of-band management NETWORK SECURITY Explain the Importance of Basic Network Security Concepts Logical security, Physical security Deception technologies Common security terminology Audits & regulatory compliance Summarize Various Types of Attacks & Their Impact on the Network DoS/DDoS VLAN hopping MAC flooding Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) poisoning Rogue devices & services Evil twin On-path attack Social engineering Malware Given a Scenario, Apply Network Security Features, Defense Techniques & Solutions Device hardening Key management Security rules Zones NETWORK TROUBLESHOOTING Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) Runts, Giants, Drops Common Cabling & Physical Interface Issues Single-mode vs. multimode fiber Category 5/6/7/8 (Ethernet cables) STP vs. UTP Transmitter (TX) / Receiver (RX) Transposed Switching & Routing Issues Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) ACL Routing table Address pool exhaustion Duplicate IP address Performance Issues Latency Packet loss Jitter Interference (wireless) Tools & Protocols for Troubleshooting Protocol analyzer Ping, Traceroute, Netstat Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP) / Cisco Discovery Protocol (CDP) Wi-Fi analyzer Networking Device Commands Show mac-address-table, Show route, Show interface
35🌟Tired of forgetting your damn passwords?🌟Introducing "What The Fuck Is My Password?" — the ultimate, no-nonsense password organizer for adults who are this close to smashing their keyboard every time they see “Incorrect Password.”This isn’t your boring, basic notebook. This is the tool that turns digital chaos into organized sanity — with a side of laughter. Perfect for adults, women, moms, grandmas, seniors, friends and anyone whose brain has officially said “I’m out” when it comes to remembering logins.Why You’ll Love This Book:🔥 Alphabetical Tabs for Quick Access: No more flipping through random pages! With A-Z tabs, you can instantly find the account you’re looking for!🚀 Clean & Simple Layout: Record websites, usernames, emails, passwords, and even additional security notes in designated spaces—keeping everything in one place for hassle-free access.🔑 Compact & Durable: Small enough to fit in your desk or bag, sturdy enough to handle everyday use. It’s the perfect balance of portability and longevity.🔒 No More Forgotten Passwords!: All your important logins are stored and easily accessible whenever you need them. Forgetting passwords is a thing of the past—everything is right at your fingertips.🎁 It's Perfect as a Gag Gift! (But Also Seriously Handy)With its witty title, "What The Fuck Is My Password?" makes for a hilarious gift that anyone will appreciate. But behind the humor is a practical tool that everyone can actually use!Grab a copy today and simplify your or someone else's life while enjoying a good laugh!⭐
39This textbook is the basic textbook for anyone learning about fiber optics and it is the official reference for the FOA Certified Fiber Optic Technician, CFOTÓ, training and certification. The Fiber Optic Association, Inc. (FOA) was founded in 1995 to help educate the workforce to build the fiber optic networks to support a rapid expansion in communications and the Internet. The charter of the FOA was to promote professionalism in fiber optics through education, certification, and standards. Today the FOA is the international professional association for fiber optics and the most widely recognized certifying body for fiber optic technicians. Since its founding, the FOA has focused on education and certification. The founders were instructors who were teaching fiber optics at Fiber U, the original fiber optic training conference. They represented educational institutions, manufacturers, government, contractors, and users of fiber optics. Their collective knowledge and wisdom helped create this textbook. Today the FOA provides the world with sources of technically correct unbiased information on fiber optics in both print and online media. The FOA has published more than a dozen textbooks on fiber optics in multiple languages. The FOA Online Reference Guide is the largest and most used reference site on fiber optics on the Internet. FOA also offers Fiber U, a free online leaning site with dozens of self-study programs.
41Build AI-assisted network troubleshooting workflows that parse CLI output, call approved tools, use MCP, and keep evidence visible for reviewKey FeaturesBuild local LLM workflows for NetOps using Python, Ollama, and validated CLI dataCreate troubleshooting agents that use memory, approved tools, and clear evidencePackage reusable network tools with MCP and plan controlled read-only pilotsBook DescriptionNetwork troubleshooting is full of clues, but they are often buried in noisy alerts, long CLI output, missing topology context, and incomplete handoffs. Building AI Agents for Network Operations shows how to use AI agents, LLMs, and network automation in a controlled way, so engineers can get clearer evidence without giving up validation or operational control.You will start with local LLM workflows using Ollama and Python, then use a simple RACE prompt structure to make repeatable NetOps tasks clearer, safer, and easier to review. You will parse interface and BGP output into structured data, build a chatbot that keeps troubleshooting context, and connect the model to approved tools for device status, interfaces, reachability, topology, and BGP health. You will then build an agentic troubleshooting loop, package reusable network tools with MCP, and learn how to evaluate these workflows against logging, approvals, observability, runbooks, feature flags, and read-only pilot readiness.By the end of this book, you will have a practical path for turning AI ideas into NetOps workflows that can be tested in a lab, reviewed by your team, and adapted toward real-world network operations with the right controls.What you will learnRun local LLM workflows with Ollama and PythonShape reliable NetOps prompts using RACEParse CLI and BGP output into structured JSONBuild chatbots that remember troubleshooting contextConnect AI agents to approved network toolsCreate evidence-based troubleshooting loopsExpose reusable network tools with MCPPlan read-only pilots with safety controlsWho this book is forThis book is for network engineers, NetOps engineers, NOC engineers, SREs, DevOps engineers, and network automation professionals who want to apply AI to troubleshooting without losing control. Basic networking and CLI familiarity will help, beginner Python knowledge is useful for following the labs.Table of ContentsUnderstanding AI Agents for Network OperationsLLM Fundamentals and Local SetupPrompt Engineering for Network AutomationParsing Network Outputs into Structured DataBuilding a Network Chatbot with MemoryDesigning Tools and Agentic WorkflowsBuilding the Main Network Troubleshooting AgentFrom Lab Agents to Reusable Tools with MCPMoving Toward Production-Ready Network Agents
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45MeshCore: A Comprehensive Guide to Off-Grid Mesh Communication is the first complete, practical guide to building secure, decentralized text-based communication networks using MeshCore and LoRa radios—without cell service, Wi-Fi, or internet infrastructure.Designed for beginners and advanced users alike, this book walks you step-by-step from your first two nodes to scalable, multi-hop mesh networks capable of operating during disasters, outdoor expeditions, grid failures, and community emergency scenarios.You’ll learn how MeshCore differs from other LoRa mesh platforms, why it excels in large or infrastructure-based networks, and how to deploy it effectively using inexpensive, readily available hardware.Inside this guide, you’ll discover:• How MeshCore works and why it was designed for scalability and reliability• Step-by-step setup using popular devices (Heltec, LilyGO, SenseCAP, T-Deck)• Proper region and frequency configuration for legal operation• Secure channel setup using AES-256 encryption• Companion nodes vs repeaters vs room servers explained clearly• Real-world use cases: emergency preparedness, hiking, neighborhoods, events• Antenna selection, range optimization, and repeater placement strategies• Scaling from small personal meshes to city-wide networks• Security, privacy, and operational best practices• Integration concepts for sensors, gateways, and future expansionWhether you’re preparing for emergencies, exploring off-grid communication, or building resilient community networks, this book gives you the knowledge to deploy MeshCore correctly, securely, and effectively.No fluff. No assumptions. Just real-world MeshCore expertise.Build networks that work when everything else fails.
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73Kubernetes has become an essential part of the daily work for most system, network, and cluster administrators today. But to work effectively together on a production-scale Kubernetes system, they must be able to speak the same language. This book provides a clear guide to the layers of complexity and abstraction that come with running a Kubernetes network. Authors James Strong and Vallery Lancey bring you up to speed on the intricacies that Kubernetes has to offer for large container deployments. If you're to be effective in troubleshooting and maintaining a production cluster, you need to be well versed in the abstraction provided at each layer. This practical book shows you how. Learn the Kubernetes networking model Choose the best interface for your clusters from the CNCF Container Network Interface project Explore the networking and Linux primitives that power Kubernetes Quickly troubleshoot networking issues and prevent downtime Examine cloud networking and Kubernetes using the three major providers: Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure Learn the pros and cons of various network tools--and how to select the best ones for your stack
75This book is an introduction to Information Systems and Computer Technology. It contains the information a college student might learn in a Computer Concepts, Computer Literacy, or beginning Information Systems course.The book covers the basics of computer hardware, software, operating systems, Internet, cloud computing, networks, computer security, databases, artificial intelligence, file management and programming, without getting too technical.It can be used for the self-learner, or for teachers who teach short term classes in information systems, computer literacy, or computer science. Each chapter has a list of keywords and concepts that will be covered, and end of chapter questions and assignments.
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89Start learning the ins and outs of the IPv6 Protocol with this book!If you are interested in IPv6 addresses and IPv6 Subnetting, then this book is for you. It will teach you the fundamentals. The ever growing number of Internet connected devices lead to the consumption of all IPv4 addresses. For that a new and better protocol was needed and the result is the IPv6 Protocol.The IPv6 protocol has its own advantages over the IPv4 Protocol, as it is faster and more secure. But you need to know how to configure a network with this type of address if you want to enjoy all these benefits.You will be able to enjoy all the major benefits of IPv6 if you read this book cover to cover. And you shouldn't worry about not understanding what is being written here.The book is made so every beginner gets a grasp of what the author is talking about. By reading it, you will:Understand the basic concept of how IPv6 worksFind out how Subnetting for IPv6 worksBe able to make the transition between IPv4 and IPv6Configure and use IPv6 on devicesNot to mention that you have an extra chapter that will show you how to configure a network with IPv6 on Routers and Windows devices.Grab a copy of this book today and start configuring a network with IPv6 addresses in no time.Topics covered in this Books: IPv6 Addressing, IPv6 Subnetting, IPv6 for Beginners, IPv6 to IPv4 Translation, IPv6 Link Local Addresses, Unicast, Multicast and Anycast via IPv6
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