Tag: Computer Networks Tanenbaum 4th Edition Notes

Computer Networks Tanenbaum | Networking Books

Computer Networks By Tanenbaum

 

This article reviews the book “Computer Networks” by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall.

The article covers-

  • Special features of book
  • Analysis of Content
  • Analysis of Exercises
  • Necessary Instructions
  • Conclusion

 

Why Should Be Read?

 

Special Features of Book-

 

The special features of this book are-

  • It contains the most well-balanced text for this subject.
  • It covers the concepts in detail without getting verbose.
  • It contains clear and concise diagrams and tables.
  • It is a good choice for beginners and intermediate level students.
  • The chapters covering Data Link layer and Network layer are explained in great detail.
  • No other text book has as clear explanation for Transport layer as this book has.
  • Exercise questions are numerical as well as conceptual in nature.
  • The difficulty level of exercise questions is at par with the level of questions asked in GATE.

 

Analysis of Content-

 

The following table analyzes sections of the book that are relevant for GATE-

 

Chapter No. GATE Relevant Sections GATE Topics Covered
1 1.4 Reference Models (OSI and TCP/IP)
2 2.5.1 Transmission Encoding (NRZ, Manchester etc)
2.6.5 Switching (Circuit and Packet)
3 3.1 Basics of Data Link Layer
3.2 Error Detection and Correction
3.3.2 Flow Control

(Stop and Wait, Sliding Window Techniques)

3.4
4 4.2.1 Multiple Access Protocols

(Aloha and CSMA)

4.2.2
4.3 Ethernet
4.4 WiFi
4.8 Networking Devices

(Bridge, Hub, Switch etc)

5 5.1 Network Layer Introduction
5.2.1 to 5.2.5 Routing (Distance Vector and Link State Routing)
5.4.2 Traffic Shaping (Leaky and Token Bucket)
5.6.1 to 5.6.3 Internet Protocol (IPv4 and IPv6)
6 6.1.3 Sockets
6.4.1 User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
6.5.1 to 6.5.10 Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
7 7.1 to 7.3 Application Layer Protocols
8 8.3 Public Key Algorithms
8.4.2 Digital Signatures and Message Digests
8.4.3
8.5.1 Digital Certificates
8.6.2 Firewalls
8.7.2 Diffie-Hellman Key Exchange

Covering Only These Sections Is Enough

 

Analysis of Exercises-

 

The following table analyzes exercises of the book that are relevant for GATE-

 

Chapter No. Question No.
1 15, 16, 22, 27, 28
2 37, 38, 39
3 1, 2, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 32, 33, 35
4 2, 4, 6, 10, 13, 15, 16, 38
5 6, 7, 16, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, 33, 37, 40
6 7, 9, 22, 26, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 42, 43
7 4, 20, 42
8 17, 18, 22, 32, 33

Practicing Only These Exercises Is Enough

 

Necessary Instructions-

 

Keep the following instructions in mind while reading the book-

  • Competitive exams focus mainly on numerical questions in this subject.
  • Make sure to solve the exercises of relevant chapters.
  • Keep making notes while reading the relevant sections.
  • The well-illustrated diagrams and tables can directly be a part of your short notes.
  • Be thorough with the understanding of header formats and frame formats of various protocols.
  • Most of the questions require knowing the concepts of TCP, UDP, IP etc in detail.
  • The book covers all the topics of GATE syllabus.

 

Conclusion-

 

  • The book balances the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject pretty well.
  • The numerical exercises are quite good and strongly recommended for practice.

 

THIS BOOK IS SELF-SUFFICIENT FOR GATE EXAM.

 

 

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Other Recommended Books-

 

Data Communications And Networking By Fourozan-

 

 

Computer Networking By Kurose And Ross-