PART ONE INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 1INTRODUCTION TO DATA COMMUNICATIONS

This chapter introduces the basic concepts of data communications. It describes why it is important to study data communications and introduces you to the three fundamental questions that this book answers. Next, it discusses the basic types and components of a data communications network. Also, it examines the importance of a network model based on layers. Finally, it describes the three key trends in the future of networking.

1.1 INTRODUCTION

What Internet connection should you use? Cable modem or DSL (formally called Digital Subscriber ...

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