Data Communications and Networking 5th edition, Behrouz Forouzan

The chapters in this book are clearly labeled and separated into according sections. The mathematical formulas are also clearly shown, when needed. However, the author often uses letters to represent variables in each equation and often forgets to mention the units used for each variable. His examples are also very over the top, as none of them are simple, and none are direct applications of each equation (i.e. he doesn't use examples where you simply plug in variables). It almost seems like he tries so hard to sound smart that he ends up confusing the reader by avoiding easy examples. Even after he directs the reader to all of his advanced examples, his vague questions are often riddled with typos which influence the answer to his questions(!)

I have also looked at his 4th and 5th editions. Both have chapters in exactly the same layout. The only difference between them would be the end of the chapter material and question arrangement/new questions. Definitely not worth it for a $125 book. Obviously a typical money-maker, dealt out to schools, with the intent of making more money each time he comes out with a new edition of re-arranged questions.

This is an outstanding book on data networking, probably the best-in-class in its category of the 10-15 competing alternatives that I've seen. The book can be used both as a textbook in a college course on networking as well as a reference book for a working professional. The clarity of the writing is exceptional. In addition, nearly every page of narrative contains one or two diagrams that help explain the concepts discussed in the narrative. Each chapter closes with a one-page list of key terms and concepts, a thorough two-page bullet-pointed chapter summary, and literally scores of review questions and exercises. All of this makes the book ideal as a course textbook.

The only problem is the book's price. It's just too darn expensive. If your employer is going to pick up the tab, then obviously price is a non-issue. However, if you have to shell out your own money for it, hold out until you can find a copy for $40 or less, which I think is a fairer price.

Although this book was published in 2001 and two subsequent editions have been published since then, it still is a worthy selection for classroom use and will remain so for another 5-6 years.

Several years ago, I unexpectedly found myself teaching a two-course networking sequence in a Computer Information Systems (CIS) program. After one pass through the sequence, I began lobbying for a change to a single networking course. My goal was to drop the more technician-level material in favor of a course where the concentration was on data communications and the structure of the protocols used to do it. Some of this is my personal preference for the applied theory aspects of computing, but the majority was due to the fact that most students were not very interested in technician level material.
This book is the perfect one for my ideal of the single course. The material is segmented into seven parts, based on the layered Internet model. The parts are:

*) Overview of data communications and networking
*) Physical layer
*) Data link control and protocols
*) Network layer
*) Transport layer
*) Application layer

Each part is then segmented into chapters where specific features and protocols of that layer are discussed. For example, the application layer part is constructed of the following chapters:

*) Client-server model: Socket interface
*) Domain name system (DNS)
*) Electronic mail (SMTP) and file transfer (FTP)
*) HTTP and WWW
*) Multimedia
*) Cryptography
*) Message security, user authentication and key management
*) Security protocols in the Internet

The coverage of each of the specific features is very technical; the field structure of all the protocols at all levels is covered in detail. At the end of each chapter, there is a small set of short answer review questions, a set of multiple-choice questions and a set of exercises that require detailed answers.
If I am ever able to realize my dream of converting to the single networking course, this will be the textbook that I use.

I'll preface this by saying I'm only on page 102 of the book, but I have to agree with a previous user about the annoying errors. I bought this book to study on my own and test out of a college prerequisite class. Some things are crystal clear, but there are places where he'll state one thing and contradict himself later on.

One example is in chpt. 4 discussing line coding. First he states that for NRZ-L positive voltage usually means the bit is 0, while negative voltage means the bit is 1. In the next section he states "Like NRZ-L, positive voltage means 1 and negative voltage means 0." Which is correct?!?

In addition, there are places where he'll refer to a topic or equation and state that he discussed it before when he didn't.

For someone who has no background in this at all and no way to ask questions, these errors and contradictions are very frustrating. It's a compehensive book, but it's time for a new edition or, at the least, an online errata page.

I'll make two separate sets of comments - one for professors and one for students.

Students first... Forouzan is about as easy to read as any book on the subject. Since Forouzan has done a pretty good job of keeping the text up-to-date, however, you may find it difficult to use a previous edition of the text. I would estimate that about 20% of the material is either new or revised in the 3rd edition. The website also has some pretty good student resources, such as notes and related study tools.

For professors... I have been using the text since its first edition and have no regrets. In the third edition, Forouzan departs from the 7-layered OSI model to something he calls the 5-layered Internet model (Application, Transport, Network, DL, Physical), which may not be "standard", but it certainly makes things a little easier when talking about the Internet and modern computer networks. There seems to be enough quantitative material to satisfy those who wish to take a more engineering-centered approach to data comm, although I'm not sure how this text would fly in a school of engineering (my home is a school of business). There are ample online resources for professors, including powerpoint shows and exam materials. The only other text I would consider as a substitute for Forouzan is the slightly more technical text by Stallings, but as I said, I have never had any regrets about Forouzan.

I teach a second year under-graduate (degree) course in Data Communications and Networking. This is the first networking paper that students will take. I have used Shay, Stallings and Tanenbaum in the past but have changed to Forouzan because I believe that it does an excellent job of introducing concepts at a level that is readily understood by a novice. Student feedback confirms that it is about the right level and that they feel they actually understand the text - quite a bonus ;-)

Another review recommends the above authors - and I agree they give an excellent treatment of the topic - but they require an advanced student. I would select Stallings or Tanenbaum for a paper that follows the introductory paper (we actually use Comer for the advanced paper which is specifically TCP/IP)

Forouzan's "Data Comms and Networking" is clear, plainly written - yet gives a good depth to the topics being considered. The diagrams and practice questions are excellent.

I highly recommend this book for an introductory under-graduate text.

I am currently teaching a class using this text. I think that it is OK- but I personally would prefer Stallings or Tanenbaum. Stallings and Tanenbaum are much more engineering or technically oriented.

I have come across a number of small annoying errors in Forouzan's text, as well as a number of opinions that he puts out as facts. Of course I wouldn't be annoyed if his opinions and mine agreed - but he could at least properly identify them. This mostly is a problem with what technologies are "winners" or "losers" in the marketplace, or what dificulties are presented with trying to implement some of the protocols mentioned.

If you want to know how stuff really works go with Stallings or Tanenbaum. If you want to know how to communications is used by a business - there are a number of other texts that are far better. I feel like this text is half-way in between. Unfortunately I am unable to change what text we are using here.

This book is one of the great texts on the subjects covered. It has been a required text for two undergraduate and one (so far) graduate class that I have taken.

Mr. Forouzan's prose is clear and his examples understandable. The only thing that might make portions of this book a difficult read for some people is the complexity of some of the material covered. The book starts at the electrical (Manchester encoding, NRZ, etc.), and gradually builds until the networking process is clear, top to bottom. In terms of completeness, I have not seen another book that covers everything from the LAN to the WAN like this book. Also included are related topics like cellular networks, PSTN, encryption, and even the application layer of the OSI model. The complete OSI model is covered with great depth.

I have bought this book because was totally disappointed with my lecture presentation in my MSc course. I wanted something clear, understandable and if possible even enjoyable on the subject. I think I have found it. This book is great, easy to follow and understand. After finishing my modul on this subject I even went searching for additional courses on networking. I think I will buy the TCP/IP book from Mr Forozuan as well. I highly recommend it anyone who wants to be interested in the subject.

This book gives full coverage of all of the basics of data communications including signals, modulation, transmission media, and ECC. It has a comprehensive coverage of OSI and networking protocols with illustrative details of packet and frame contents with emphasis on the first four layers. There is coverage of most important networking technologies including TCP/IP, ATM, ISDN, frame relay and SONET. The many illustrations are appreciated. The book is well written and easy to follow and has excellent breadth of coverage but it does not develop theoretical aspects or mathematics in areas such as modulation or traffic modeling. I am considering adopting this text for a second-year computer science course.

Product Details :
Hardcover: 1264 pages
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Science/Engineering/Math; 5 edition (February 17, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0073376221
ISBN-13: 978-0073376226
Product Dimensions: 8 x 1.8 x 11.2 inches

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