Computer networking remains one of the most fundamental disciplines in modern computing. As organizations shift to cloud-native architectures, adopt zero-trust models, and embed AI into network operations, the demand for professionals who truly understand how data moves across the internet has never been higher.
Networking skills consistently rank among the top requirements for IT roles ranging from cloud engineering to security operations. Understanding the principles behind TCP/IP, routing, and application-layer protocols is no longer optional — it is the baseline for anyone working with distributed systems, web applications, or infrastructure.
About the book
Computer Networking: Principles, Protocols and Practice is an open-source textbook that explains how computer networks — and the Internet in particular — actually work. Written by Olivier Bonaventure, a professor at Universite catholique de Louvain, the book takes a top-down approach: it starts with the application layer where students interact with networks daily, then moves down through transport and network layers to the data link layer.
Each chapter combines theoretical foundations with practical exercises, making it suitable for self-learners and university students alike. The text assumes basic computing knowledge but does not require prior networking experience, making it an accessible entry point for anyone ready to understand the systems that power the connected world.
What you will learn
Readers will develop a solid grasp of network architecture, protocol design, and the practical aspects of internet communication. The book covers the structure of application-level protocols like HTTP and DNS, the mechanics of reliable data transport with TCP and UDP, the principles of IP addressing and routing, and the technologies that enable local area networks. Each chapter includes hands-on exercises that reinforce the concepts through real-world scenarios and problem-solving.
Table of contents
- Preface
- Introduction: Services and protocols, Reference models
- The Application Layer: Principles, Application-level protocols, Writing simple networked applications
- The Transport Layer: Principles of reliable transport, UDP, TCP
- The Network Layer: Internet Protocol, Routing in IP networks
- The Datalink Layer and Local Area Networks: Medium Access Control, Datalink layer technologies
- Glossary
- Bibliography
Book details
- Title: Computer Networking: Principles, Protocols and Practice
- Author(s): Olivier Bonaventure
- Publication year: 2011
- Publisher: Saylor Foundation
- Pages: 282
- PDF size: 12.85 MB
- Estimated reading time: ~7 h 3 min
- Level: Intermediate
- Main category: Systems and Networking
- Subcategory: Networking
- Language: English
- License: CC BY 3.0
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