29 Best Books on Computer Networks

We have compiled a list of the Best Reference Books on Computer Networks, which are used by students of top universities, and colleges. This will help you choose the right book depending on if you are a beginner or an expert. Here is the complete list of Computer Networks Books with their authors, publishers, and an unbiased review of them as well as links to the Amazon website to directly purchase them. If permissible, you can also download the free PDF books on Computer Networks below.

1. Computer Networks

 
1."Data and Computer Communication" by William Stallings
Book Review: The book is an ideal textbook for engineering students who are studying computer networks and data communication in computer and electrical engineering streams. Moreover, it is beneficial for programmers, system engineers, and anyone involved in the field of data communication and networking products. The book provides a comprehensive overview of data communication principles, emphasizing their role in network design and exploring critical aspects of data communication, LAN, and protocol design with a focus on current technology.

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2."Data Communication and Networking" by Behrouz A Forouzan
Book Review: This is a useful textbook for students studying data communication and networking. The book covers a broad range of topics, including network architectures, physical layer, data link layer, network layer, transport layer, and application layer protocols. The book is well-structured, easy to follow, and includes numerous examples and exercises that reinforce key concepts. The book also covers network security, wireless networking, and multimedia networking. This is an outstanding resource for anyone interested in learning about data communication and networking.

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3."Computer Networks" by Andrew S Tanenbaum
Book Review: This book is suitable for junior/senior or graduate level courses in computer networks, data networks, or distributed processing in computer science or electrical engineering departments. Less advanced students can also benefit from the book with selective omission of sections or chapters. It is the first book that explains how computer networks work inside, from the hardware technology up to and including the most popular internet application protocols. A general background in computer systems and programming is assumed, but not advanced mathematics or computer networking.

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4."Internetworking with TCP/IP, Volume 1" by Douglas Comer
Book Review: This book provides an introduction to various networking concepts, including TCP/IP protocols and internetworking. It discusses fundamental scientific theories and details and examples from the latest technologies. The book covers layering and packet formats for all the internet protocols, including TCP, IPv4, IPv6, DHCP, and DNS. It also elaborates on trends in internet systems, such as packet classification, software-defined networking, and mesh protocols. This book is very useful for students who want to learn more about TCP/IP protocols, internet architecture, and many networking technologies.

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5."TCP/IP Illustrated" by W Richard Stevens
Book Review: This book is known for clear explanations, well-illustrated diagrams, and a clear demonstration of TCP/IP with data collected from real diagnostic programs. It is ideal for students, graduates, and networking professionals. The book provides detailed information about TCP/IP protocol suite, IP, ARP, RARP, ICMP, IP routing, routing protocols like RIP, OSPF, concepts of broadcasting and multicasting, DNS, SNMP, FTP, and many more. It also provides implementation of TCP/IP protocols and programming topics like TCP, HTTP, NNTP, and UNIX domain protocols.

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6."Computer Networks 5th Edition" by Tanenbaum
“Computer Networks (5th Edition)” Book Review: This book provides an introduction to the basic fundamentals of networking. The author has dissected the principles associated with each layer and translated them through examples and illustrations from the internet and wireless networks. The book focuses on the latest networking technologies, with a special emphasis on wireless networking, making it a perfect read for computer science and engineering students and professionals.

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7."Computer Networks: A Top - Down Approach" by FOROUZAN
“Computer Networks: A Top-Down Approach” Book Review: This book presents the topic of computer networks in a top-down approach, starting from the application layer to the physical layer. It introduces essential concepts like wireless networks, multimedia networks, network management, security, and socket programming. The concise text, along with illustrations, examples, and exercises at the end of each chapter, makes this the perfect book for beginners or those with an intermediate knowledge in the field of networks.

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8."Computer Networking" by James F Kurose and Keith W Ross
“Computer Networking” Book Review: This book covers all the main aspects of computer networking and transport layer protocols, along with the different layers of the TCP/IP model, routing protocols, and security, in a top-down approach. It is replete with illustrations and practical exercises and emphasizes application-layer paradigms and application programming interfaces (the top layer), encouraging a hands-on experience with networking concepts before working down the protocol stack to more abstract layers. This book is suitable for students and professionals from computer science and engineering backgrounds.

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9."Fundamentals Of Computer Networks" by Sudakshina Kundu
“Fundamentals of Computer Networks” Book Review: This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the basic concepts, principles, and terminology of computer networking and internet technology. It covers a wide range of topics, including data communication, TCP/IP protocol, LAN and WAN operation and inter-networking implementation. The book also includes dedicated chapters on network management and security, practical aspects of networking, and the essential requirements for setting up a computer network. It is an ideal resource for undergraduate students of computer science and engineering, electronics and telecommunication engineering, information technology, and computer applications.

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10."Computer Networks : A System Approach 5th Edition" by Larry L Peterson
“Computer Networks: A System Approach (5th Edition)” Book Review: This is a comprehensive book that covers the fundamentals of computer networking, including network design and architecture, switching, routing, inter-networking, congestion control, resource allocation, end-to-end protocols, P2P, wireless, network security, and network applications. Each chapter includes a problem statement to introduce key issues and a panel for elaborating or discussing emerging issues in the commercial world. This book is a suitable resource for graduate and undergraduate students of computer science and engineering, as well as industry professionals and network practitioners.

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2. Advance Computer Networks

 
1."Protocol engineering: A rule based approach (Vieweg advances studies in computer science)" by Jürgen M Schneider
“Protocol engineering: A rule based approach (Vieweg Advanced Studies in Computer Science) (German Edition)” Book Review: The book delves into the history of computer networking, starting from the initial attempts to interconnect computers for data exchange. The author covers the development and introduction of exclusive networking models, such as IBM’s SNA, and the emergence of the ARPANET in the United States. The book also covers the interconnection of heterogeneous equipment, the Reference Model for Open Systems Interconnection (OSI), and the TCP/IP protocol stack that facilitated global information exchange. The author explores the impact of powerful workstations, decentralized computing, and the growing demand for interconnecting heterogeneous PCs. Lastly, the book discusses the advances in optical fiber technology that provide a new physical mechanism for data transmission with high bandwidth and low error rate.

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2."Computer Network" by N N Sakhare and A V Dhumane
“COMPUTER NETWORK” Book Review: This is a comprehensive guide for students, academics and professionals in the field of computer networking. The book covers topics like networking fundamentals, OSI and TCP/IP models, LAN technologies, routing algorithms, congestion control, network security and wireless networks. It also explores network management, multimedia networking, cloud computing and network virtualization. Each chapter includes review questions and exercises to help reinforce learning. Overall, the book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the concepts and technologies behind computer networking.

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3."Computer Network Technology" by D S Gaikwad and N D Lambe
“COMPUTER NETWORK TECHNOLOGY” Book Review: The book covers topics such as the network layer, transport layer, application layer, wireless LANs, PANs, and MANs, as well as AD HOC networks and sensor networks, with a focus on routing in sensor networks and recent trends. The book is aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students of computer engineering and information technology, as well as professionals in the industry. Each chapter includes exercises and review questions, making it a useful resource for self-study. The book provides a strong foundation in computer networking and is a must-read for anyone interested in the field.

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4."Advance Computer Networks" by Deepak Tyagi
“Middleware Networks: Concept, Design and Deployment of Internet Infrastructure: 18 (Advances in Database Systems)” Book Review: Middleware Networks: This is a comprehensive guide to advanced concepts in computer networking. The book covers topics such as Network Topologies, Congestion Control, Quality of Service, Multimedia Networking, Mobile and Wireless Networks, Ad Hoc Networks, Network Security, Cloud Computing, Internet of Things, and Big Data Analytics. It also includes chapters on Recent Trends in Networking, Network Simulation, and Network Performance Evaluation. This book is a useful resource for postgraduate students of computer science, electrical engineering, and communication engineering, as well as professionals and researchers in the field of computer networking.

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5."Advance Computer Networks" by Sona Kumar and G Shobha
“Advance Computer Networks” Book Review: This book is designed as a comprehensive guide for students in computer science and IT programs, such as MCA, BE/BTech, M.Sc, B.Sc, and BCA. It consists of five units, each containing several chapters that explain the concepts in clear and concise language. The table of contents includes topics such as Introductory Concepts, OSI Reference Model, Transmission Media, Multiplexing, Switching and ISDN, Numericals, Data Link Layer, Medium Access Sublayer, Network Layer, Congestion Control, Internet Protocol Suite, Transport Layer, Domain Name System, Simple Network Management Protocol, E-mail, File Transfer, Hypertext Transfer Protocol, Cryptographic Secured Communication, Firewalls, and Multimedia.

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6."Computer Networks: Principles, Technologies and Protocols for Network Design" by Natalia Olifer and Victor Olifer
“Computer Networks: Principles, Technologies and Protocols for Network Design” Book Review: This comprehensive book covers the theory of basic networking technologies as well as practical solutions to networking problems. Networking concepts are explained in a clear manner, with an emphasis on how networks work together. The book includes practical solutions supported by examples and case studies.

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7."Elements of Computer Networking: An Integrated Approach (Concepts, Problems and Interview Questions)" by Narasimha Karumanchi
“Elements of Computer Networking: An Integrated Approach (Concepts, Problems and Interview Questions)” Book Review: This book focuses on application-layer paradigms and programming interfaces, with an emphasis on hands-on experience with protocols and networking concepts. It comprises 17 chapters covering the Application Layer, Transport Layer, Physical Layer, and Data Link Layer. The book presents a lucid explanation of the physical layer of computer hardware, networking, and transmission systems in an easy-to-understand manner. Additionally, the book contains interview questions from various software companies and past competitive examinations like GATE. It caters to students pursuing B.C.A, B.Sc, M.Sc, M.C.A, B.E, B.Tech, M.Tech, and related programs.

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3. TCP/IP Design and Implementation

 
1."Internetworking with Tcp/Ip: Design, Implementation and Internals - Vol.2: Design, Implementation, and Internals - Volume II" by Comer
“Internetworking with Tcp/Ip: Design, Implementation and Internals – Vol.2: Design, Implementation, and Internals – Volume II” Book Review: This book explores the structure of TCP/IP software in an operating system with an in-depth analysis. It covers various topics such as Principles, Protocols, and Architecture. The book helps readers gain an understanding of the realization of the Internet Technological Infrastructure. It is a useful guide for those in the field of TCP/IP design.

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2."TCP/IP Architecture, Design and Implementation in Linux (Practitioners)" by Sameer Seth and M Ajaykumar Venkatesulu
“TCP/IP Architecture, Design and Implementation in Linux (Practitioners)” Book Review: This book offers extensive knowledge of the Linux TCP/IP stack and kernel framework for its network stack, including design and implementation. It explains simple client-server socket programs as well as complex TCP/IP protocol design and implementation in Linux. The book covers different aspects of socket programming and major TCP/IP related algorithms. Additionally, it explains netfilter hook framework, routing sub-system, IP QOS implementation, and Network SoftIRQ. The book also contains elements on TCP state machine implementation, TCP timer implementation on Linux, TCP memory management on Linux, and debugging TCP/IP stack using lcrash. This book is a valuable guide for those in the field of TCP/IP design and architecture.

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3."Internetworking with TCP/IP: Design, Implementation and Internals Vol II: 002" by Douglas E Comer and David L Stevens
“Internetworking with TCP/IP: Design, Implementation and Internals Vol II: 002” Book Review: This book provides a detailed understanding of the concepts, terminology, and services used by the TCP/IP suite to make the Internet work. The book encourages hands-on skill development, describing TCP/IP capabilities and providing tools for troubleshooting network administration and analysis. The book covers topics ranging from traffic analysis and characterization to error detection and security analysis, with detailed coverage of both IPv6 and IPv4. This book is intended for computer engineering students and researchers.

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4."Design, Measurement and Management of Large-Scale IP Networks: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice" by Antonio Nucci and Konstantina Papagiannaki
“Design, Measurement and Management of Large-Scale IP Networks: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice” Book Review: This book discusses the design and management principles of large-scale IP networks, including the importance of actual measurements. The book covers the types of measurements available in IP networks and how they can assist in both the design phase and the monitoring and management of IP applications. Other topics include IP network design, traffic engineering, network and service management, and security. This book is a valuable reference for graduate students and researchers in electrical and computer engineering and computer science, as well as network designers and operators in the communication industry.

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5."High Speed Networks: TCP/IP and ATM Design Principles (William Stallings Books on Computer and Data Communications Technology)" by William Stallings
“High Speed Networks: TCP/IP and ATM Design Principles (William Stallings Books on Computer and Data Communications Technology)” Book Review: This book focuses on high-speed networks, including gigabit networks, and provides an up-to-date survey of developments in the design of intranets based on the Internet Protocol (IP). The book covers the entire TCP/IP protocol suite and ATM networks. Specifically, it talks about how the network designer tackles issues such as supporting multimedia and real-time traffic, the need to control traffic, and how to provide different levels of Quality of Service (QOS) to different applications. This book is intended for both professional and academic audiences.

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6."Grundkurs Datenkommunikation: TCP/IP-basierte Kommunikation: Grundlagen, Konzepte und Standards" by Peter Mandl and Andreas Bakomenko
“Grundkurs Datenkommunikation: TCP/IP-basierte Kommunikation: Grundlagen, Konzepte und Standards” Book Review: This book presents the basic concepts and standards of data communication in today’s computer networks in a practical and concise form. The book introduces reference models and protocol mechanisms to the technical fundamentals of networks and discusses selected technologies and communication protocols of lower layers. Additionally, the book explains the concepts and protocols of the network and transport layers using the example of the TCP/IP protocol family and important protocols and systems of the application layer such as DNS and HTTP. The book also presents the basic concepts of mobile communication and the programming of communication applications based on TCP datagram sockets, with complex protocol mechanisms illustrated with many images. Each chapter includes a collection of control questions, including sample solutions for post-processing the material, making the book useful for computer engineering students.

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7."Guide to TCP/IP: IPv6 and IPv4" by Ed Tittel and Jeffrey Carrell
“Guide to TCP/IP: IPv6 and IPv4” Book Review: This book is a comprehensive guide to the concepts, protocols, and services used by the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite, which powers the Internet. The book is designed to help readers develop hands-on skills and offers troubleshooting knowledge and tools that network administrators and analysts can use to maintain their systems. It covers a wide range of topics, from traffic analysis and error detection to security analysis, and covers both IPv4 and IPv6 in detail. It is an ideal resource for computer engineering students and researchers alike.

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8."TCP/IP Sockets in Java: Practical Guide for Programmers (The Practical Guides)" by Kenneth L Calvert and Michael J Donahoo
“TCP/IP Sockets in Java: Practical Guide for Programmers (The Practical Guides)” Book Review: This book serves as an introduction to the concepts, terminology, protocols, and services underlying the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite, which forms the backbone of the Internet. It focuses on hands-on skill development and encourages readers to interact with the various protocols. Additionally, it equips network administrators and analysts with the troubleshooting knowledge and tools necessary to maintain their systems effectively. The topics covered in the book range from traffic analysis and characterization to error detection, security analysis, and beyond. Both IPv6 and IPv4 are given detailed treatment. This book is intended for use by both computer engineering students and researchers.

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9."Mobil IP: Design Principles and Practices (Addison-Wesley Wireless Communications Series)" by Charles E Perkins
“Mobil IP: Design Principles and Practices (Addison-Wesley Wireless Communications Series)” Book Review: This book delves into the design and implementation of Internet protocols essential for maintaining network connections while on the move. It covers the technology that makes mobile networking possible, with a focus on Mobile IP, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Standard for mobile networking. Mobile IP, Route optimization, IP version 6, Use of Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and Encapsulation are discussed in detail. The book provides precise handling of packetized control data, and all the necessary steps for that handling are detailed. It also describes how Mobile IP specifies the handling of data packets destined for the mobile node and presents newly specified enhancements to Mobile IP. Protocol support needed for enabling mobile networks using IPv6, the new version of IP with 128-bit addresses, is also detailed, along with interactions between Mobile IP and other protocols such as DHCP.

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10."TCP/IP - The Ultimate Protocol Guide: Volume 2 - Applications, Access and Data Security" by imusti
“TCP/IP – The Ultimate Protocol Guide: Volume 2 – Applications, Access and Data Security” Book Review: This book is an ideal resource for those seeking comprehensive information on the Internet Protocol suite, with a focus on the application protocols in everyday use, from Web Operations through to email, and from host configuration and access through to file transfer. It also examines network management and remote network access, as well as the crucial topic of data security in transit. This book is useful for engineering students and teachers alike.

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11."Intelligent Traffic Management Schemes in TCP/IP Networks" by Rafe Alasem
“Intelligent Traffic Management Schemes in TCP/IP Networks” Book Review: This book is dedicated to the design of various controllers using control theory, with a particular focus on designing active queue management (AQM) controllers and a new controller named SPRED, which combines a Smith Predictor (SP) controller with a standard RED controller to form the SPRED controller. Its aim is to increase the speed of response, improve stability and robustness of congestion control systems. Additionally, it features an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) based AQM control scheme to deal with nonlinear time delay systems.

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12."Mathematical Foundations of Computer Networking (Addison-Wesley Professional Computing Series)" by Srinivasan Keshav
“Mathematical Foundations of Computer Networking (Addison-Wesley Professional Computing Series)” Book Review: This book explores the mathematical foundations of computer networking and their application to designing networks useful to society. It provides a strong foundation for computer networking, emphasizing current networking technologies.

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We have put a lot of effort into researching the best books on Computer Networks and came out with a recommended list and their reviews. If any more book needs to be added to this list, please email us. We are working on free pdf downloads for books on Computer Networks and will publish the download link here. Fill out this Computer Networks books pdf download" request form for download notification.

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