This is the only way I can rate this book! Already from the first pages, it is clear that the author has a strong hands-on knowledge of the material which is going to be presented. The reading is really easy, essential and rich in details which can come only from someone with strong "field" experience. The sequence of the content gives to the reader all the necessary information so that the following topics can be expanded further. I really wish that all the engineering books were written with the same style: essential yet very well detailed. The author is transferring his experience to a novice like me in networking, easing my effort in understanding all the concept of the Ethernet with very excellent practical details. Thanks a lot to the author and strongly recommend the books to who is approaching the Ethernet network for the first time. Ethernet is a core networking technology used by every high tech business. While the basic protocols have changed little, new options such as Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet have increased the complexity of the topic. Ethernet has been the flavor of choice for networking administrators since the early 1980s because of its ease of use and scalability. Written by one of the foremost experts on Ethernet standards and configuration, Charles E. Spurgeon, Ethernet: The Definitive Guide includes everything you need to know to set up and maintain an Ethernet network. Ethernet: The Definitive Guide teaches you everything you need to know about the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard and its protocols. The book is logically separated into five parts: Introduction to Ethernet provides a tour of basic Ethernet theory and operation, including a description of Ethernet frames, operation of the Media Access Control (MAC) protocol, full-duplex mode and auto-negotiation. Ethernet Media Systems is the heart of the book. This sectionof Ethernet: The Definitive Guide shows you how to build media-specific Ethernet networks, from a basic 10BASE-T Ethernet offering 10 Mbps over twisted-pair cables, to an advanced 1000BASE-X Gigabit Ethernet, providing up to 1 Gbps of data transfer over fiber optic cables. Building Your Ethernet System teaches you how to build twisted-pair and fiber optic media segments, as well as how to build your Ethernet using repeaters and hubs. Performance and Troubleshooting is divided into two chapters. The first describes both the performance of a given Ethernet channel, as well as the performance of the entire network system. The second includes a tutorial on troubleshooting techniques and describes the kinds of problems network administrators are likely to encounter. The last part of the book includes a complete glossary of terms used throughout the book, a resource list, descriptions of thick and thin coax-based Ethernet systems, a guide to AUI equipment installation and configuration, and a listing of troubleshooting numbers. This book is the definitive guide for anyone wanting to build a scalable local area network (LAN) using Ethernet. Ethernet is the core networking technology used by every high tech business. This text provides information needed to set up and maintain an Ethernet network. Included are sections on media systems, how to build your Ethernet system, and performance and troubleshooting.
