The field of data communications continues to evolve at a rapid pace. In order to provide the reader with the most timely and important information possible, several changes have been made to the second edition while preserving those unique aspects of the first edition which contributed to its wide acceptance and popularity. Among the most significant changes to the second edition are the following:

• New chapters on:
  • Network Security.
  • Network Management.
  • Enterprise Networking and the Internet.
  • Remote Access and Wireless Networking.
• Local Area Network coverage expanded to three chapters in a dedicated section.
• The overall text has been organized into four major parts to allow easier adaptation to a variety of course outlines.
• Technology and services information has been updated in all chapters.
• Increased emphasis throughout the text on the use of the OSI Model and Top Down Model as analytical tools.
• All business cases have been updated.