JUNOS Enterprise Switching

Chapter 1. LAN and Internetworking Overview

Over the years, the importance of data communication has closely paralleled that of computing. In fact, most individuals are completely unaware of just how often data communications networks affect and enable our daily lives. Network technologies are ubiquitous to the point where a modern car has more processing power than a 1960s-era mainframe, along with several communications networks that control everything about the vehicle’s operation, from its chipped key ignition security, engine fuel/air mixture, and transmission shift points to the sensing and reporting of low tire pressure.

The modern world is hooked on computing, and in this addiction data networks are like a drug in the sense that most PC users find their machines rather dull and bordering on boring when their Internet access is down.

In fact, given the easy access we all have to nearly the sum of man’s knowledge (typically for free), the Internet and its World Wide Web make activities such as writing technology books seem rather old hat. But the amount of background information regarding general data communications concepts, local area network (LAN) technologies, and the TCP/IP protocol suite, which makes all of humankind’s knowledge available and easy to find, is still an invaluable library. It’s the library that enables the digital libraries. And so we start right here.

The primary goal of this book is to document the application and use of Juniper Networks EX switches in ...