Data Communications: From Basics to Broadband

This book, though based on some older technologies, is truly exceptional. Before reading this book I practically knew nothing about telecommunications and data communications. I now understand everything from how the public phone system works to the OSI model to how bits of data are sent over a fiber optic line.I say this book is based on many older technologies because it is. It talks about modulation and demodulation, and at this point in time I think we are quite a ways from 14.4 modems - which were huge in the 90's, just not so much anymore. However, even though this technology is getting quite old, the concepts are still in use today and it is an important part of understanding data communications.If you think you might be interested in knowing how any of the following work, then this book is definitely for you: PBX's, DSL, Multiplexing, Networking (WAN and LAN), Protocols, Bits and Bytes, Wireless, Data Security, OSI model, Public Network, Fiber Optics, Modems, Protocols... The list goes on and on. There is so much in this book, that you can't help but feel enlightened after reading it!The one complaint I can see people having with this book is there is too much information. It simply covers so many different aspects of computing that you might feel overwhelmed. This did not bother me at all, but it is something to keep in mind.

Excellent first reference on networks. Definitions are well defined, and new terms are highlighted. Author uses easy to understand analogies to describe complex concepts. Good for novice to intermediate student.

An amazingly well organized and readable introductory book for anybody who is curious about the telecom/datacom infrastructure. I highly recommend this as the first primer.

This book is a must for anyone who wants to learn about data communications. I found it very helpful and I simply enjoyed reading it which doesn't happen very often with this kind of literature. It won't make you an expert in data comm. but it will give you a very solid overview of the industry and introduce you to the technolgies used in today's telecommunications. Thanks, William, good job.

A must read for anyone entering the telecommunications industry and looking for plainly worded, in depth explanations of how it works. I recommend this book to anyone (with or without a technical background) who is interested in how telecommunications has evolved.