Networks Books

This book entitled "Intelligent Broadband Multimedia Networks" is volume 1 of the two volume set. The authors Prof. Syed V. Ahamed (CUNY) and Dr. Victor Lawrence (Bell Labs) have presented the topics in this book in a very easy to read manner without much mathematical treatment.

The book covers in depth about the evolution of intelligent networks with its systems design and architecture. Topics such as IN/1, IN/2 and advanced intelligent networks (AIN) are presented very well. The book also touches upon certain aspects of ISDN elements, wireless networks, knowledge processing systems, intelligent multimedia networks, educational and medical networks.

This book is recommended for graduate students in computer science, electrical and telecommunication engineering. Scientists and engineers would certainly find certain advanced topics covered in this book to be interesting.

The companion book for this book is entitled "Design and Engineering of Intelligent Communication Systems" (Vol. 2)

This is an era of Information Superhighway and emerging Global Intelligent Networks that is encompassing almost every aspect of human life. Whether we are at home, in an office, at friend's home, or in between, we want to stay connected irrespective of time and place.

Prof Syed Ahamed and Victor Lawrence have written two volumes on the topics: "Intelligent Broadband Multimedia Networks" and "Design and Engineering of Intelligent Communication Systems" illustrating the architectural designs, software and hardware requirements of these systems.

First, this is the first attempt by these authors to present the material combining data networks, computer networks, and different communication technologies with algorithmic and adaptive intelligence leading to Intelligent Broadband Multimedia Networks and Intelligent Communication Systems, and perhaps that is the solution of our ever growing desires for variety of services.

Second, the language used is bejewled, lucid, engaging, and appealing with penetrating metodologies, simplifying the complexity of the material by diagrams and flowcarts wherever necessary.

Third, the subject matter is designed specifically for the graduate students involved in research at Master or Ph.D level.

Fourth, the chapter on Knowledge Processing in Educational, Medical, and other networks is a unique and an elaborate exposition of the subject that is still unexplored.

Finally, I strongly recommend these volumes for the graguate students involved in research in order to benefit from the material as I myself did.

Prof Tasneem H Kazmi
City University of New York (CUNY)
September 25, 2001.

"Intelligent Broadband Multimedia Networks" is an excellent book about new emerging technologies and the future of data- and tele- communications. That's why it's a reference book of choice for many research scientists and network professionals at a well known R&D company like Bell Labs. And I strongly believe that it will still be for the next decade!
Prof. Syed Ahamed and Dr. Victor Lawrence put together a reference book presenting, in a systematic way, all aspects of modern communication networks, with emphasis in intelligent telecommunications networks (IN).
The book has 3 parts: - In the first part is presented the transition from classical networks to the more advanced intelligent networks. The approach of Bellcore (now Telcordia) and AT&T Labs, the 2 major players in the area of Intelligent Networks, is further investigated. Also the ITU-T standard for IN is presented, to better understand the current status and the evolution of IN.
- In the second part AT&T's Universal Intelligent Services Network and Bellcore's IN-1, IN-1+, IN-2 and AIN(Advanced Intelligent Networks) are analyzed in full detail: the architecture, functional resources, as well as supporting hardware and software. Intimate connections between IN and ISDN or wireless networks are also explored.
ITU-T's IN Conceptual Model is analyzed here in detail and a systematic presentation of Global Intelligent Networks, detailed for several country specifics, are given.
- The third part explores in many details the future evolution and applications of Intelligent Networks. The impact of IN on educational and medical environments are explored in full detail. In this third part the reader is also introduced to the very new concepts of "Knowledge Machines" and "Knowledge Processing Systems" as well as their connection with a "Multifunctional Intelligent Network". At the end the social and cultural impact of Broadband Intelligent Networks is analyzed.
The book has a very high density of useful information, introduces in all detail many new concepts in the field of communications networks, and it's intellectually challenging. Always, the systematic way of presentation makes it easy to follow complex technical concepts and their interrelation.
I clearly see this book and its companion second volume "Design and Engineering of Intelligent Communication Systems" as an excellent support book for graduate courses in communications networks as well as a main reference book for any research scientist as well as other specialists in the field of data- and tele- communications networks. Other categories of engineering professionals, eager to better understand new emerging communications technologies, could find valuable information in this book and its companion volume.
Also, philosophers can find a refined analysis about the evolving Knowledge Society, the impact of it onto the personal life, and the changes it may imply in the family structure, public sector, and corporate sector. Social workers can find in the book an authoritative voice in the social and cultural impact of future modern communications networks.

Dr. Anthony Malczanek
Sr. Network Consultant

Intelligent Broadband Multimedia Networks by Dr. Ahamed and Dr. Lawrence is a graduate level textbook. The material covered in this book ranges from defining intelligent networks to more specific coverage of educational, medical, and knowledge-based networks. This book is in three major parts and twenty chapters; each part contains several chapters. Part I has four chapters and discusses generic aspects of networks. It focuses on communication networks and computer systems. It describes fundamental concepts. It presents similarities and differences between intelligent networks and conventional networks. It also discusses signaling networks, data networking and communication networking, and evolution of phased intelligence in American public-switched networks. Part I covers the seven layers of the OSI model and their functions and X.25 public-switched network standards. Part II has nine chapters and focuses on recent and evolving networks. It defines wireless communication networks and intelligent networks (IN). It presents in great detail the three versions of IN/1, IN/1+, and IN/2 and their building blocks. It also presents global intelligent networks and advanced intelligent networks (AIN). An entire chapter is dedicated to ISDN. It covers other topics in great detail such as BRISDN, PRISDN, BISDN and ATM technologies. Part III in seven chapters focuses on future intelligent networks- educational, medical, knowledge-based, and intelligent home networks.

Dr. Ahamed and Dr. Lawrence have included design methodologies for putting intelligence into any communications systems. They include specific architectures that can be used by network designers/engineers and planners, telecommunications managers/professionals, and computer scientists. The breadth of the coverage of various topics makes this book suitable for use in advanced level courses on intelligent communications networks.

Intelligent Broadband Multimedia Networks (vol.1) and Design and Engineering of Intelligent Communication Systems (vol.2) were textbooks in two courses I took with Dr. Ahamed who was also my mentor at CUNY, Graduate Center, New York, NY. Both volumes are excellent textbooks for graduate courses.

C.S. Rani, Ph.D.

This is a very fascinating book to read indeed. It takes the reader through thrilling rollercoaster rides into the past and future across so many disciplines in science and philosophy that is it hard not to feel enlightened. Prof. Syed Ahamed¼s visionary perspective into the future of internet, knowledge, and artificial intelligence from a platform firmly founded on science and robust rational is very compelling to read. I found the chapters III and IV of the book particularly impressive and truly enjoyable to read while being educated. I highly recommend it.

In this book Professor Syed Ahamed has been able to combine the different aspects such as intelligence and knowledge essential for modern day communication networks. The book provides an insight into the evolving class of intelligent machines which will be very different from the present day systems. The book covers a wide range of topics such as networks, intelligence, knowledge, wisdom and its applications in different environments. It takes you through a journey from basic concepts , design, implementation to higher levels of philosophy and wisdom and the ethics in the usage of such complex systems. It is a very special book which anyone interested in the art would find it very useful.

Do you need ideas in how to expand and/or absorb the Internet world of knowledge about anything?
Do you seek knowledge on topics that are hard to find explanations about them?
Are you overwhelmed by the amount of unfiltered information you get every time you search the Net?
Don't you feel mentally exhausted after spending hours looking to find good articles on subjects of your interest only to realize that the ones presented to you are of no value?
Couldn't the system be 'a little' smarter and pick up notions of your interest from your previous query and reach for those information that you are really in need of?
An excellent way to start to find answers to these questions lies in reading professor Ahamed's Intelligent Internet Knowledge Networks.

This is not an easy book to review. It is a text filled to brim with interesting information.

Because of that fact it would very hard to write a brief and yet complete review. I will simply provide a small thesis of what I had extracted from the work.

First of all it will be a book that I will read more then once.

This is an ambitious work that will provoke contemplation as well as spawn interesting research ideas for the coming future.

"Intelligent Internet Knowledge Networks" is the kind of book that is hard to categorize.

On the one hand I could easily see Computer Scientists digesting the material. On the other flank I could see this book having a place in a Masters Level or PHD Philosophy program.

It begins by building it's foundation on the cutting edge technologies of our day.

Early in the work Professor Ahamed discusses the implications that telecommunications and fiber optic technology have had on the present internet community - the technological and physical characteristics that have facilitated the current internet environment.

He then builds on this discussion naturally by getting into the concept of Intelligent Networks.

There is also a discussion of electronic government as well as medical networks both of which I found to be very interesting.

The bridge is then laid down which connects the technology to the human element. The AI concepts...embedded intelligence, sensing and monitoring networks, intelligent knowledge sharing....the technological framework which reflects how machines and programs may resemble or imitate human characteristics.

After this point we enter into the area which I found most fascinating - the wisdom machine.

While I write this review I think of an essay that I read last night written by Cardinal Ratzinger in which he discusses the foundations of Democracy - he conferred how a ruler may not in fact know what is just but may in reality merely be the manifestation of process and procedures. Where a ruler did not necessarily care about what was true or even virtuous but was simply a cog in the Democratic machine.

But what if wisdom or even truth could be pursued through the machine?

These are the implications which I find to be the most powerful. Can you imagine instead of getting into a senseless debate one could take facts and data and merely compute the outcome of an argument? I believe that this is the direction the wisdom machine would move us ultimately towards and the aspect which fascinates me the most.

This is the part of the work which I believe is the most fascinating and which carries tremendous implications for the very society in which we exist.

This text has brought me full circle from where I started my original major in philosophy almost 14 years ago - when I studied advanced quantification where similar ideas where discussed.

In conclusion if you are a thoughtful person, scientist or even philosopher I highly recommend this work. You will not be disappointed.

Adrian Farrel is one of the world's foremost experts on IP networks and protocols. Drawing on his knowledge and experience as a protocol designer, developer, network engineer, and leader of 3 key IETF working groups, he provides an extremely comprehensive and thorough work on Internet protocol design and practice. It is especially strong on major topics of current interest including MPLS, GMPLS, and traffic engineering, and thoroughly covers the basics of routing, switching, transport, and applications protocols. It is an excellent book for protocol developers, network operators, and network managers. This well written and highly readable work is a must for anyone working in the area and useful as either overview or reference volume.

Adrian Farrel's book follows a new approach presenting Internet protocols. At first sight, you may think 'oh, more on the same...'. Don't be tricked, this is a different book.

You'll find a very comprehensive reference about Internet protocols including multicasting, QoS, routing protocols (covering almost all existing flavours) and real-time stuff. Chapter 9 is one of the most readable introductions to MPLS I've found so far. Chapter 10 about GMPLS does also a very good job.

The book has plenty of very up-to-date concepts and technologies, and anyone involved in computer networking should consider to have a copy on his/her bookshelf.

This is a modern and attractive title for the classical topic of TCP/IP computer networks. Students and professionals that wish to gain, expand and update their knowledge in the Internet protocols will find this book a useful reference. It is well written, achieves clarity at the expense of avoiding detail, provides plenty of good figures, does a superb job explaining why protocols were designed the way they are and dedicates a significant part of the book to introduce some of the latest protocols developed by the IETF that will or are already shaping the new Internet.

The book follows the classical bottom up layering approach. Yet it distinguishes itself from the rest by creating whole chapters on the latest internet protocol developments that are briefly treated in others. For example, an early chapter is devoted to IP multicast, which describes how multicast groups are formed and how traffic is delivered to them. The being reasons of IPv6 and its main features are described in a standalone chapter. Routing fundamentals and protocols are described extensively and valuable explanations on how routing protocols can be used for traffic engineering are given. Differentiated and Integrated Services are briefly presented as a manner to deliver specific quality of service levels. The chapter on internet transport protocols is concise and clear and describes briefly the new developments on SCTP and UDP Lite but unexpectedly the exposition on TCP, the most important of all of them, lacks of depth and descriptions of its latest important developments. One of the best and most extensive parts of this book are the four chapters dedicated to IP traffic engineering, in which MPLS and GMPLS form the core of it. They are competently and fully described from their fundamentals to how they are applied for traffic engineering purposes. The last part of the book contains brief but novel introductions of fast growing applications such as VPNs, mobile IP and VoIP among others. It is worth of note the abundant application notes of how MPLS can be used in conjunction with applications such as header compression, VoMPLS and MPLS VPNs. In summary, this is well written book that not only treats the traditional topics of TCP/IP network but it also introduces some of the most recent advances developed by the Internet community.

Adrian Farrel's 'The Internet and Its Protocols' (TIAIP) blew me away. I read this book because it explains the Internet I know, but also how new protocols work with that Internet and make it different from the network I first encountered over a decade ago. Farrel's amusing yet clear writing style delivers a great deal of knowledge in a hefty hardcover. If you want to learn about the protocols that make the Internet work, you need to read TIAIP.

One of the strongest aspects of TIAIP is the inclusion of protocol header figures for every protocol mentioned. I considered this an absolute must for any new protocol book I purchase, and Farrel delivers. Unlike some other books that rely on generic box line drawings, TIAIP's figures are bit-specific. In other words, the header at the top of the figure shows where each bit lies. The diagrams are also all in the same format, facilitating comparison between headers.

Comparison is another strength of TIAIP. Farrel doesn't just present protocols and leave the reader to work out their strengths and weaknesses. In most sections he spends time helping readers choose which protocol will best suit their needs. This is both practical and educational.

There is a ton of information in this book, so much that it may be better used as a reference than a read-through title. I admit to not reading every page, especially those that featured large diagrams of header options and their meanings. This level of details is perfect when I need to understand exactly how a protocol functions, however.

I'll mention a few topics that were fairly new to me and appeared in TIAIP. Topics like multicast (ch 3); DiffServ and IntServ (ch 6); SCTP and RTP (ch 7); MPLS (ch 9); GMPLS (ch 10); GSMP (ch 11); and header compression (ch 15) were all well documented. Farrel is heavily involved in MPLS issues, which is of benefit to the reader. MPLS seems to be appearing in many places outside the ISP realm.

I found a few issues with TIAIP, some of which author Farrel was kind enough to acknowledge via email. P. 50 switches the ARP and InARP meanings in table 2.10. In ch 5 on p. 118, the 172.19.168.16/28 and 172.19.168.32/28 networks can be summarized as 172.19.168.16/27, not 172.19.168.32/27. I would have liked to have read more on EIGRP, even though it's a Cisco proprietary routing protocol. Also, ISO does not mean 'International Standards Organization'; ISO is the 'International Organization for Standardization.' They use ISO, derived from the Greek word for equal, to avoid international language issues. For example, the English acronym would be IOS, and the French would be OIN. Clearly I put these minor issues aside when I rated TIAIP five stars; the amount of value this book delivers is incredible.

If you are looking for a book that shows you real details on Internet protocols in a thorough and engaging manner, I highly suggest considering TIAIP. I am adding it to my recommending reading lists today.

An outstanding investment. Very current information and links (5th printing dated 10/99).

NOTE: The author takes great pains to include PC and Apple information throughout. It is small enough to stuff in a coat pocket, yet 500 pages in length. Excellent cross referencing as well.

At any price, let alone Amazon's, how can you possibly get more for the money?

In the course of reviewing many general Internet texts for client distribution at our firm, I had the pleasure to come across this work. It is truely a level above everything else out there. Clear, concise and complete. This is a must have reference work for every Internet surfer.

While taking a course on "Basic Internet" I was forced to buy another book that was really confusing. I found "The Internet - the Rough Guide 2000" at our bookstore and it has saved my life. The explanations and suggestions are much clearer than our text book and actually gave more information in a smaller size - really handy to keep by the computer or carry with you. I would definitely recommend this to anyone learning to surf the net, build a web page, research, etc.

This book is teriffic. Unlike most Internet books out there, author Angus Kennedy doesn't try to overwhelm you or sound like a techie know-it-all. He explains everything in a easy, complete, and detailed manner, making the internet as easy to use as possible. He also has a good sense of humor, keeping the book fun and interesting throughout. Hats off to Mr. Kennedy! I dare you to find a better Internet book.

Many books and magazines just go through the motions trying helping customers shop online, or so it seems to me. I wanted a epinion I felt I could trust that didn't seem too cynical. The selling point for me was the suprisingly colorful design. That really interests me.

My friend gave me this book because I wanted to buy a blender online, and I've used it to find so many other things since then. The reviews are really funny, and it's nice to know that somebody has already checked the sites for credit card safety.

Amazing ! Never knew how much shopping there was on the net. Like all the times I was reading previous editions of Internet Cool Guide I was really sorry when I wasn't near a PC to try out all the excellently reviewed "cool" sites. Well done, Rula. ooking forward to more !

Wow. Totally cool! I knew of all the biggies online but Internet Cool Guide: Shopping has tons of ones I didn't know about. inshop, bluefly bargains galore all available from my lap top. It's gonna make Christmas shopping a snap.

Nice book for teachers to become more proficient in using the internet in their teaching activites. Features lots of internet activities for teachers and their students in a wide range of grades. This is the fun, easy, and practical way for teachers to find out more about the internet.

I used this as a text in my professional development courses. Everyone loved it.

I've reordered for all my courses next year. A must read!

We just reviewed 35 books for our inservice program and chose this one. We're buying one for every teacher in the town. It's perfect for beginners and advanced teachers learning the Net.

This book allowed me to work with the interent in many areas. I have been able to locate information I did not believe existed on-line. Williams explains things in easy to understand language and then walks you through the exercise. The glossary is also very helpful for the computer neophyte. The attached CD installs Adobe Acrobat Reader and explains its many uses. I found this particularly helpful in downloading material on-line. This book is a must for any person wanting to use the Internet effectively.

This is the 4th edition and I buy it every year. It's very resourceful and saves much time from trips to the library. Very thorough and credible in the quality of links. The tiny cd travels lightly in my planner, as well.

I found the book as helpful as the telephone yellowpages in a strange town. The easy to use format leads you to the right place quickly and efficiently. I found things I didn't even know I was looking for. Excellent easy to handle guidebook.

Once again Ms. Lindell and Dr. Hersh have done excellent job...whenever I need to find something fast I just look it up, and go! This small handy pocket book is packed full of websites, for all your medical & health internet searching needs, there isn't a subject or topic that you can't find! You name it this book has it! Well laid out and easy to use and small enough to take with you! I highly recommend this excellent resource book to any health, medical, or legal professional. Great resource for students, too!

The Internet Medical & Health Searching & Sources Guidebook is an excellent reference both in cd and pocketbook form; for medical/legal professionals, students at any level, or the curious medical consumer. Directs you to reliable resources. Priced significantly below it's true value and therefore an invaluable tool in reference. User friendly and written by well accredited professionals. Excellent gift idea, as well. Two thumbs up!

Despite the downturn in the corporate business world, the Internet still exists as a means for enterprising people to market their business ideas to make a living. Opportunities are boundless and growing numbers of people continue to give the Internet a try. There are plenty of resources available to help them succeed.

Internet Prophets offers readers an excellent collection of business concepts, strategies, and instruction to help them start online businesses. The book features information about creating sound business plans, managing businesses - including money matters, creating effective Websites, marketing business Websites, online resources, and general business information that will make an impact on the way people do business - while being mindful of operating budgets!

Throughout the book readers are reminded about setting clear goals and objectives. Planning every stage of one's business is of paramount importance - the business plan, the Website, marketing, search engine strategies, and knowing what the competition is doing are all aspects of a business that demand close attention to detail and determination to carry out.

Most fascinating about the book - in my opinion - are the business strategies provided. Readers are exposed to some exciting and very practical ways to draw attention to themselves and to maintain professional and profitable business-client relationships. Strategies include establishing online communities, setting up auction services, creating portals, providing visitors access to information, joining e-marketplaces, adding interactive tools to Websites, hosting live online events at Websites, adding dynamically updated content to Websites, and thinking globally when planning the action.

The tone of the book is serious and the rewards for gleaning from it are enormous. The strategies are sound and the resources provided will put people in touch with the companies, products, and services they need to develop a meaningful online business presence that will produce positive results for them. The book is ideally suited for start-up business operations and those existing businesses that want to and probably should make the move to the Internet to promote themselves. Essential reading!

Innovative business ideas for the internet range from products to services and provide advice which will enable executives to conduct more business successfully on the web. Internet Prophets is the first to assess proven e-commerce strategies, matching techniques with budgets of large and small companies alike and presenting 'Internet Prophets' for four different budget ranges. Covers both strategies and marketing costs; rich in specifics.

This book was invaluable in figuring where to begin in the sea of e-commerce choices. The four internet prophet business strategies helped me figure out where my business was... and where I wanted to to go in designing an e-commmerce plan for selling online. I wish this book had come along years ago. But I'm glad it's here now.

This is a book for any small business that's thinking about how to use the Net to build their business. Thank goodness, this book is past the Internet hype and on to what really works in the real world. Chapters cover topics such as online shopping, digital delivery, "think globally, click locally", and (hello!) customer service.

Although it purports to apply to small, medium and large businesses, it's most appropriate to smaller businesses who need a practical guide to moving their business on the net. I especially liked the chapters on "Marketing Your Web Site" -- practical, spam-free advice on raising your profile online...

Internet Security for the Macintosh - A Guide for the Rest of Us is I believe a "Must Have" Computer Manual, alongside David Pouges "Missing Manual" and Steve Schwartz "Internet Explorer for Macintosh" for every serious Mac Users reference library

The authors, Oppenheimer and Whittaker come impeccably credentialed and their expertise as filtered by joint authorship has clearly made use of their backgrounds with measured and pragmatic effective advice taking you carefully through security requirements from the bottom up. One undeniable advantage in this respect is that they also currently provide ISP services so they know what the real world is about and it shines through.

In addition the timing of the publication is excellent.

Whilst it is Mac specific it could well be considered an essential basic Internet Security Manual for PC Users as well.

The Manual of around 400 pages and 18 chapters is broken down into four sections 1. General Security Principles 2. Securing Internet Services 3. Enhancing Overall Security and 4. Advanced Topics.

The message comes through. If you don't get the basics right even if you apply the advanced advice there may be holes in your system (Microsoft where have we experienced this before!)

There are chapters on Viruses, Personal Firewalls, Home Networking, Securing Mac OS X and an intriguing - Just say no to FTP!

Here I believe in the one place is pragmatic and sensible advice which if followed will make your computer far less vulnerable to Villains, Hackers and Mischief Makers, particularly now that the migration to Cable, ADSL and other broadband DSL technologies leave us a lot more vulnerable than with dial up connections.

Peachpit Press has set up a website to facilitate feedback updates and more recent information for purchasers of the guide.

The book excellently and up-to-date describes the technical issues and is so well-written that we may read it and be glad we did, but it is also so nice and lacks an inspiring ending that we may not do much about Internet security for our Macintoshes once we have put the book down.

At last..a timely and well written book that specifically details the essentials of Mac security...highly recommended

This book is just what it promises, "a guide for the rest of us." It explains how things work, clearly and in logical order, and is laid out so you can easily pick out the parts you need to read.
I used the book to set up a firewall. I had previously purchased a perfectly good one with simple controls, but had no idea what all the buttons meant in terms of blocking unwanted intrusions while retaining normal Internet access. (I'm an experienced Macintosh user, but naive about the underlying mechanisms of the Internet.)
Oppenheimer defines the underlying concepts and provides simple instructions, and with his book I was able to set up my computer security system in less than an hour.

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Strong points:

This book covers a quite complete issues of all telecommunication world. The author seemed put a quite effort in writing this book. I think he collected and read a lot of references to build up the book. Also, this book is design for everybody (especially entry levels) in telecommunication industry. The book is written in order, start from PSTN to data communication and private network.

As a non-American, he emphasized international telecommunication issues as always as he could, especially the interconneting between North American and European systems. This, I think, could open and broaden some American readers' view of international telecommunication issues.

Weak points:

I do not think that the author knew exactly every issue he brought up. Several quite important issues were left unanswered. Another thing that although this book covers a quite complete telecommunication issues, the explainations are sometimes "skin deep". I think this emphasizes that the author is not really an expert in his field. I think he just read issues from some references and put them in the book without effort to answer or solve. I think this should be obvious from the book dimension. There is no way that such a small book could cover a lot of explanations to every telecommunication issues.

My recommendations:

I think this book is more suitable for a quite reference rather than a book to read for a search of complete understanding. If you need a book that covers a complete fundamental telecommunication knowledge, I suggest that you read "Voice & Data Communications Handbook" by Regis J. "Bud" Bates and Donald W. Gregory.