Introduction 1

Hour 1: An Overview of Networking 3

Hour 2: The Benefits of Networking 19

Hour 3: Getting Data from Here to There: How Networking Works 29

Hour 4: Computer Concepts 49

Hour 5: Network Concepts 71

Hour 6: Extending LANs with Wide Area Networks (WANs) 95

Hour 7: Mobile Wireless Networking 117

Hour 8: Remote Networking 129

Hour 9: Planning for the Network 143

Hour 10: Designing a Network 155

Hour 11: Selecting Network Hardware and Software 179

Hour 12: Assembling a Network 199

Hour 13: Network Applications 211

Hour 14: Connecting to the Internet: Initial Operations 231

Hour 15: Connecting to the Internet: Key Supporting Operations 247

Hour 16: Microsoft Networking 271

Hour 17: UNIX and Linux Networking 289

Hour 18: Putting the Pieces Together 301

Hour 19: Role of the Network Administrator 309

Hour 20: Security 319

Hour 21: Managing a Network 339

Hour 22: Network Troubleshooting 355

Hour 23: A Day in the Life of a Network Administrator 373

Hour 24: Where Are Networks Going from Here? 383

Glossary 389

Index 397