Over the past few years, many fundamental changes have occurred in data communications
and networking that will shape the future for decades to come. Networking
applications such as the Internet and World Wide Web have exploded into the business
world. High-speed modems providing megabit data rates (millions of bits per second) over
regular telephone lines and cable TV circuits are widely available. New local area network
(LAN) and backbone technologies providing gigabit (billions of bits per second) speeds
are now available. Metropolitan area network (MAN) and wide area network (WAN)
technologies providing terabit (trillions of bits per second) to petabit (quadrillions of bits
per second) speeds are on the horizon. The integration of voice and data communication
is moving rapidly.
Perhaps the most important change has been the recognition of the strategic importance
of communications and networking in both the public and private sector. Today,
almost all computers are networked. As we look back on the 1990s, we realize that the
importance of the computer was surpassed by the importance of the network.
Over the past few years, many fundamental changes have occurred in data communications and networking that will shape the future for decades to come.
Updated with the latest advances in the field, Jerry FitzGerald and Alan Dennis' 10th Edition of Business Data Communications and Networking continues to provide the fundamental concepts and cutting-edge coverage applications that students need to succeed in this fast-moving field.
Authors FitzGerald and Dennis have developed a foundation and balanced presentation from which new technologies and applications can be easily understood, evaluated, and compared.
