Ethernet: The Definitive Guide Book

Ethernet--the predominant technology binding together networks over the last score of years--is well understood but seldom clearly explained. Ethernet was conceived as a way to arbitrate access to a shared communications channel, facilitating not only broadcast and reception, but actual inter-and infra-operating system communication between physically separate computers. The end product of the Aloha Network, a practical experiment in Hawaii in the 1970s, Ethernet took root early in the 1980s and thrives today in much more complicated, evolved form. The author brings a wealth of practical experience, stemming back to Ethernet's creation, in developing, designing, installing and supervising Ethernet-based networks of incredibly varied size, scope and power. Ethernet: The Definitive Guide is divided into five sections, providing a full-scale, vivid introduction to Ethernet, and featuring its fascinating history as well as an easy-to-understand survey of its complex year by year and accumulating a great deal of inbred language that can baffle the newcomer. This book is ideal as a resource for such a person, as well as being a handy one-stop reference for the more seasoned professional. The author has an easy style that puts the complexities into context, and his sage advice reassures while building knowledge about Ethernet (and related standards). The index is very helpful, and turns the book into a useful reference manual long after it has been used to provide an overview of the subject.--Wilf HeyRead More