Computer Networking has always been of great importance since the beginning of the era of computers and technology. In fact, the Internet itself a vast network connecting computers all across the world. A network can be as small as between two computers over a local connection, or spread across the entire country, or even the entire world. To help you understand more about Computer networking, we have compiled together some of the Best Books on this subject.
The List of Hand-Picked Books we will be reviewing today:
- Computer Networking: The Beginner’s guide for Mastering Computer Networking, the Internet and the OSI Model
- Computer Networks (5th Edition) by Andrew S. Tanenbaum
- Network Warrior: Everything You Need to Know That Wasn’t on the CCNA Exam
- Computer Networking Problems and Solutions: An Innovative Approach to Building Resilient, Modern Networks
- CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide (Eighth Edition)
- Networking for Dummies, 11th Edition
- Mastering Python for Networking and Security (2nd Edition)
Computer Networking: The Beginner’s guide for Mastering Computer Networking, the Internet and the OSI Model
Author: Ramon Nastase
Publication Date: February 1, 2018
Pages: 186
This book is a great and easy introduction to world of Computer Networking.
Computer Networking can seem a little daunting initially. Its a major field of Computer Science, and theirs alot of new terminologies you will be exposed through. This book will guide you through all this, and make sure you become both familiar and comfortable with popular terminologies like, UDP, TCP, IPv4, IPv6 etc.
Computer Networking: The Beginner’s guide, will teach you everything you need to know to setup your own Computer Network, whether it be a simple home network or an office-wide setup involving dozens of computers.
This book is part-1 of a 5-part series, where each book address a separate set of topics. Each book is fairly priced, so even buying all 5 might cost you less than some of the more expensive books on Computer Networks.
Computer Networks (5th Edition)
Author: Andrew S. Tanenbaum
Publication Date: January 9, 2010
Pages: 960
Computer Networks (5th Edition) takes a very structured approach to explaining how networks work from the inside out. The first few chapters talk about the various layers of networking, the computer hardware involved, and other basic concepts behind how computer networks function.
The books then talks about the various applications where we can observe computer networks such as Emails, DNS (domain name system), the World Wide Web, video conferencing (Google Meets), and streaming media (YouTube). Most importantly, it explains in-depth the way networking is used in such applications.
A great choice was beginners with little to no idea about Computer Networks, and how they are used in today’s world. Readers looking for more technical reference books should check out some of the other options in our list.
Network Warrior: Everything You Need to Know That Wasn’t on the CCNA Exam (2nd Edition)
Author: Gary Donahue
Publication Date: July 5, 2011
Pages: 783
One of the best books on Computer Networking that we could find, was Network Warrior. Readers have praised the engaging the easy to digest to content, finding it easy it follow and enjoyable to read.
This a great reference book both for beginners and professionals. Alot of the content found here is not covered by many other books or certification programs (such as CCNA), neither will you find it written and explained so clearly. Network Warrior takes you step-by-step through the world of routers, switches, firewalls, and various other technologies and tools based on the author’s extensive field experience.
Don’t let the title put you off. Just because the Books markets itself towards those who have just cleared a certification program, this book is a great read for anyone interested in the Computer Networks.
Computer Networking Problems and Solutions: An Innovative Approach to Building Resilient, Modern Networks
Author: Russ White & Ethan Banks
Publication Date: December 27, 2017
Pages: 832
Computer Networking Problems and Solutions takes a different approach to educating readers about Computer Networks. It first presents a set of problems that an existing protocol or solution faces, analyses these problems, presents a set solutions, then explains how these solutions lead to the creation of a newer, more secure and mature protocol.
The book is divided into three sections. Part I and II deal mostly with the various networking layers, and how data is transported and controlled. Part III talks about several common network designs and architectures used in networking.
This is an ideal book for readers of various backgrounds. Whether they are new network engineers, students of computer networking, or experienced engineers seeking a deeper understanding of the technologies they use every day.
CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition
Author: Scott Jernigan
Publication Date: March 28, 2022
Pages: 976
Written by Mike Meyers, a leading expert on CompTIA certification and training, this book is primarily aimed towards those looking to prepare for the N10-008 exam.
The Book is well structured, beginning with a set of learning objectives in the start of each chapter, followed by exam tips, scenarios, practice exam questions, and in-depth explanations. This comprehensive resources covers all of the CompTIA Network+ exam objectives and topics, some of which are listed below.
- Network architectures
- Ethernet basics
- TCP/IP applications and network protocols
- Routing and networking devices
- Remote connectivity and Wireless networking
- Virtualization and cloud computing
- Mobile networking
- Network security
- Network monitoring and troubleshooting
There is also some bonus online content, containing 100+ practice questions and 20+ lab simulations.
Networking For Dummies 12th Edition
Author: Doug Lowe
Publication Date: July 21, 2020
Pages: 480
Networking for Dummies brings forth its 12th Edition, featuring Windows 10 and the new Windows Server 2019. The goal of this book is to help new network administrators, as well as regular home users to set up and maintain a network.
The book is roughly divided into 4 parts:
- Building a wired/wireless network
- Securing and optimizing your network
- How to set up a server and manage Windows user accounts
- Troubleshoot Problems and Backing up your data
Jam-packed with tons of helpful step-by-step instructions, this book is a good choice for beginners to computer networking, or network administrators who are just starting out.
Mastering Python for Networking and Security (2nd Edition)
Author: José Manuel Ortega
Publication Date: January 4, 2021
Pages: 538
This book is a rather odd one out in this list, but its an option that Python Programmers, or people interested in learning how to Network using Python, would be very interested in.
Mastering Python for Networking and Security, makes use of powerful Python libraries such as Nmap, requests, asyncio, and scapy. You will be creating and using Python scripts to execute networking tasks, perform penetrating testing, debugging and securing complex networks, and much more.
It is important to note however, that a basic understanding of general programming structures and the Python programming language is required before getting started.
This marks the end of the Best Books on Computer Networking article. Any suggestions or contributions for CodersLegacy are more than welcome. Questions regarding the article content can be asked in the comments section below.
