Computer Networks, the Internet and Next Generation Networks

Most computer network books are described based on a top-down or button-up layer-based perspective – allowing readers to learn about concepts and protocols in one layer as a part of a complex system. At each layer, the books illustrated the mechanisms and protocols provided at this layer to its upper layer. Unlike other computer network books, this book additionally provides protocol-based and architecture-based perspective to study the computer networks, the Internet and Next Generation Networks. The book starts with a short introduction to the computer network and their design – covering the basic reference models, the multimedia networking, Next Generation Networking and Mobile Networking as well as network planning considerations. Fundamental techniques are described – covering mechanisms, protocols, architectures and services to control the traffic and ensure the QoS for data and multimedia applications. For each technique, the author formulates the problem statement and illustrates complete solution – including basic idea, concept, architecture, protocol behaviour, their advantages and disadvantages.

Thi-Thanh-Mai Hoang is a senior development engineer at a communication company. Before coming to the industry, she was a member of scientific staff at the faculty of computer science – Karlsruhe University and at the Hasso-Plattner-Institute – Potsdam University, from 1998 to 2001, and from 2001 to 2008 respectively. She received her degrees Dr.-Ing. from Karlsruhe University in 1998 and habilitation from Potsdam University in 2009. Her PhD and habilitation are both in computer science.