Computer Networking Problems and Solutions: An innovative approach to building resilient, modern networks

Master Modern Networking by Understanding and Solving Real Problems

Computer Networking Problems and Solutions offers a new approach to understanding networking that not only illuminates current systems but prepares readers for whatever comes next. Its problem-solving approach reveals why modern computer networks and protocols are designed as they are, by explaining the problems any protocol or system must overcome, considering common solutions, and showing how those solutions have been implemented in new and mature protocols.

Part I considers data transport (the data plane). Part II covers protocols used to discover and use topology and reachability information (the control plane). Part III considers several common network designs and architectures, including data center fabrics, MPLS cores, and modern Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN). Principles that underlie technologies such as Software Defined Networks (SDNs) are considered throughout, as solutions to problems faced by all networking technologies.

This guide is ideal for beginning network engineers, students of computer networking, and experienced engineers seeking a deeper understanding of the technologies they use every day. Whatever your background, this book will help you quickly recognize problems and solutions that constantly recur, and apply this knowledge to new technologies and environments.

Coverage Includes

• Data and networking transport
• Lower- and higher-level transports and interlayer discovery
• Packet switching
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Virtualized networks and services
• Network topology discovery
• Unicast loop free routing
• Reacting to topology changes
• Distance vector control planes, link state, and path vector control
• Control plane policies and centralization
• Failure domains
• Securing networks and transport
• Network design patterns
• Redundancy and resiliency
• Troubleshooting
• Network disaggregation
• Automating network management
• Cloud computing
• Networking the Internet of Things (IoT)
• Emerging trends and technologies

Table of Contents

Part I: The Data Plane
Chapter 1: Fundamental Concepts
Chapter 2: Data Transport Problems and Solutions
Chapter 3: Modeling Network Transport
Chapter 4: Lower Layer Transports
Chapter 5: Higher Layer Data Transports
Chapter 6: Interlayer Discovery
Chapter 7: Packet Switching
Chapter 8: Quality of Service
Chapter 9: Network Virtualization
Chapter 10: Transport Security

Part II: The Control Plane
Chapter 11: Topology Discovery
Chapter 12: Unicast Loop-Free Paths (1)
Chapter 13: Unicast Loop-Free Paths (2)
Chapter 14: Reacting to Topology Changes
Chapter 15: Distance Vector Control Planes
Chapter 16: Link State and Path Vector Control Planes
Chapter 17: Policy in the Control Plane
Chapter 18: Centralized Control Planes
Chapter 19: Failure Domains and Information Hiding
Chapter 20: Examples of Information Hiding

Part III: Network Design
Chapter 21: Security: A Broader Sweep
Chapter 22: Network Design Patterns
Chapter 23: Redundant and Resilient
Chapter 24: Troubleshooting

Part IV: Current Topics
Chapter 25: Disaggregation, Hyperconvergence, and the Changing Network
Chapter 26: The Case for Network Automation
Chapter 27: Virtualized Network Functions
Chapter 28: Cloud Computing Concepts and Challenges
Chapter 29: Internet of Things
Chapter 30: Looking Forward