The TCP/IP protocol stack is the foundation of the internet and, more generally, network communication. Operating at various physical and logical layers, these protocols are the language that allow computers to communicate with each other.¿ While most IT professionals don’t work at the protocol level regularly, there are times when a clear understanding of what’s going at the network level can be invaluable. This is the book to give that grounding¿ and to act as a definitive reference when needed. This book is suitable for the novice and experienced system administrators, programmers, and anyone who would like to learn how to work with the TCP/IP protocol suite. It can be read even by those who have little background in networking.

The Illustrated Network: How TCP/IP Works in a Modern Network, Second Edition presents an illustrated explanation on how TCP/IP works, using consistent examples from a working network configuration that includes servers, routers and workstations. Diagnostic traces allow the reader to follow the discussion with unprecedented clarity and precision. True to its title, there are 330+ diagrams and screenshots, as well as topology diagrams and a unique repeating chapter opening diagram. Illustrations are also used as end-of-chapter questions. Based on examples of a complete and modern network, all the material comes from real objects connected and running on the network.

The book emphasizes the similarities across all networks, since all share similar components, from the smallest LAN to the global internet. Layered protocols are the rule, and all hosts attached to the Internet run certain core protocols to enable their applications to function properly.