A Practical Introduction to Computer Networking and Cybersecurity 2nd Edition

This book is for people who study or practice information technology, management information systems (MIS), accounting information systems (AIS), or computer science. In writing the book, it is assumed that readers are exposed to computer networking and cybersecurity for the first time. They are challenging subjects partially because of the constant rise and fall of related technologies and IT paradigms. As the title implies, much focus is placed on providing reader audience with practical as well as theoretical knowledge necessary to build a successful professional career. With the book s practical value, a number of my students told me that they were keeping it as a future reference.

If used for a class, the book of 12 chapters contains just about right amount of coverage for a semester or quarter. It balances introductory and fairly advanced subjects on computer networking and cybersecurity to furnish both technical and managerial knowledge. Although the writing is moderately dense, much effort has been placed on explaining sometimes challenging concepts in a manner that readers can follow through with careful readings.

No effort was spared in providing readers with real or quasi hands-on learning experience without necessarily relying on a computer lab. First, each chapter comes with practical exercises questions. In the class setting, they are good as individual or group assignments. Many of them are based on simulated or real cases, and take advantage of actual industry products and systems for a reader to better relate theories to practice. Second, there are a number of information-rich screen shots, figures, and tables in each chapter carefully constructed to enhance visual learning. Readers are encouraged to review each of them carefully to solidify learning.

In addition to the thorough technical details, managerial issues including network planning, design, and management are covered throughout the book from the practitioner s perspective to afford balanced learning. Besides, bearing in mind of the critical importance of cybersecurity in today s computer networks, implications of a networking technology on cybersecurity are discussed whenever appropriate. Lastly, two chapters are dedicated to introduce fundamentals of cybersecurity in terms of threat types and defense techniques. Summary of Updates This edition has several improvements over the previous one: With the rise of Internet of Things, a section is introduced (Chapter 1).
The measures available to strengthen the security of Ethernet switches are expanded (Chapter 3).
A section is newly created to provide a high-level understanding of the border gateway protocol (Chapter 6).
The explanation of the data VLAN is expanded (Chapter 7).
With the rapid progress in WiFi standards, Chapter 8 is updated throughout (Chapter 8).
The explanation of Metro-Ethernet is replaced by Carrier-Ethernet reflecting technology advancement (Chapter 9).
The cellular network section is added as a wireless WAN technology (Chapter 9).
The explanation of WAN topologies (9.4.2) is dropped to avoid duplication (Chapter 9)
The explanation of IPv6 is updated (Chapter 10).
The firewall and DMZ section is expanded significantly to introduce different practical approaches in setting up the firewall (Chapter 12).