Data Communications Networking

As one of the fastest growing technologies in our culture today, data communications and networking presents a unique challenge for instructors. As both the number and types of students are increasing, it is essential to have a textbook that provides coverage of the latest advances, while presenting the material in a way that is accessible to students with little or no background in the field. Using a bottom-up approach, Data Communications and Networking presents this highly technical subject matter without relying on complex formulas by using a strong pedagogical approach supported by more than 700 figures. Now in its Fourth Edition, this textbook brings the beginning student right to the forefront of the latest advances in the field, while presenting fundamentals in a clear, straightforward manner. Students will find better coverage, improved figures and better explanations on cutting-edge material.Text lets students learn about data communications before learning about networking. More than 700 figures provide complete, visual presentation of the material. Figures replace the need for students to rely on complex formulas.Visual approach is supported with hundreds of figures and animations on the text website An On-line Learning Center is available to provide extra material to both students and instructors. Some features of the on-line learning center include: PowerPoint Slides, Solutions, and Animated Figures. Strong in-text pedagogy is designed for the beginning student and includes numerous figures, highlighted points, examples and real life applications, key terms, chapter summaries, practice sets and an extensive glossary and list of acronyms. The practice set includes and extensive number of review questions, multiple choice questions, and extended exercises. Strong in-text pedagogy is designed for the beginning student and includes numerous figures, highlighted points, examples and real-life applications, key terms, chapter summaries, practice sets and an extensive glossary and list of acronyms.Using a bottom-up approach, students learn about data communications (lower layers) before learning about networking (upper layers). This approach allows instructors cover the material in one course, rather than having separate courses on data communications and networking. Text uses a bottom-up approach where students learn about data communications before learning about networking. This approach allows instructors to cover the material in one course, rather than having separate courses on data communications and networking.Summaries at the end of each chapter emphasize the key points.Many examples have been developed in each chapter to demonstrate the concepts. An On-line Learning Center is available to provide extra material to both students and instructors. Some features of the on-line learning center include: PowerPoint Slides, Solutions, and Animated Figures from the text and solutions of odd-numbered problems for students. (even-numbered solutions for instructor are password protected) Added coverage of TCP/IP How would you feel about a text that first sets the stage regarding data communication and then goes into networking?Do you find that its difficult for students to rely on complex formulas to understand this highly technical subject matter? Would figures aid students and assist them in learning concepts?How would you feel about a text that took a "visual approach"? That actually showed students figures and animations? Would your students use an on-line learning center that featured self-grading quizzes, animated figures from the text and solutions of odd-numbered problems? Do you feel that students, especially the beginning student would benefit from a text with strong pedagogical features, such as more than 700 figures, real life applications, key terms, chapter summaries, practice tests and an extensive glossary and list?Would it be helpful if your Data Communications Networks text covered TCP/IP?