Review By: Bob Rathbun
08/14/2007

This book hits many of the topics that one would encounter when working with networks in the corporate world. The layout is segmented, and the chapters follow a flow that lends itself to ease of learning. It is a structured introduction to network security with logical chapters and a general increase in the degree of depth and specification. It discusses real-world networking issues and references additional resources and current standards and procedures.

The book deals with concepts and methods, ethics, network theory, and cryptography. It also covers open system interconnection layers and how network frameworks and the different layers work together while implementing the protocol that networks use, including detailed workings of what happens in each layer and what is transmitted and received through each layer.

The reader may choose first to read through, but the book also is set up to be used as a reference of networking and security in the future.

What I like about the book is how it is broken down. It is easy to follow—a little easier than some of the text books I've used. In chapter one there is a list of terms that could have included more words that someone unfamiliar to networks might find helpful.

I am glad that ethics shows up in chapter two instead of toward the end or even in an appendix. Networks are exciting and fun, but a certain level of responsibly is required. A reminder about ethical behavior can be very helpful once in a while.

I liked this book and would recommend it for someone who has a technical background and wants to learn about networks and network security.