Cisco TCP/IP Routing Professional Reference

An absolute gem of a reference guide, Cisco TCP/IP Routing Professional Reference brings the empyreal realm of routers and protocols solidly to earth. The author provides excellent analogies coupled with practical tips, making this book suitable for those new to the strange terrain of Cisco routers and TCP/IP networking as well as for the seasoned pro. It also boasts what may be the clearest explanation we've encountered of the seven-layer Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, an oft-repeated instance in which the author nimbly avoids technobabble.

The first two chapters lay the groundwork for operating Cisco routers within the context of the TCP/IP protocol suite and are absolute must-reads for networking novices. From there, he dives headlong into such nitty-gritty subjects as configuring Cisco routers and implementing popular WAN technologies like Frame Relay and ISDN.

The book wraps up with two exceedingly practical chapters: the first examines how to build a TCP/IP router-based network and covers such key issues as management and security; the second is devoted exclusively to troubleshooting. Not only does the author break down troubleshooting OSI layer by OSI layer, but he also liberally sprinkles the text with practical advice. A shining installment, Cisco TCP/IP Routing Professional Reference marks yet another entry in McGraw-Hill's rapidly improving catalog of computing titles. --Sarah L. Roberts-Witt