Sources for learning Computer Networks [closed]

Question

As it currently stands, this question is not a good fit for our Q&A format. We expect answers to be supported by facts, references, or expertise, but this question will likely solicit debate, arguments, polling, or extended discussion. If you feel that this question can be improved and possibly reopened, visit the help center for guidance.

Closed 8 years ago.

I've been recommended Computer Networks, a top-down approach by James Kurose and Keith Ross. Related to that I've heard good and bad critics, I would like ask you what's your opinion. I mean, I expect to know something about this book before spend my money. Thanks!

Answer 1

Well IMO, Computer networks by Kurose and Ross has lots of mistakes, actually, its explanation about how TCP works is pretty awful, and the exercises proposed at the end of each chapter are dispensable. I would recommend the "old classics", I mean something about Andrew S. Tanenbaum (as Bill said), and related to TPC there is a book by Stevens that is pretty useful. I also recommend the book from O'Reilly to learn how DNS works.

EDIT 1:

Another thing I consider is that almost all computer network books are organized in the opposite approach, I mean, they start from the most concrete Layers (such as Physical or Link layer) and they end at the Application Layer, which is the most abstract layer. Perhaps all of those books are wrong, but I feel that would be very strange to be true.

Answer 2

My favorite book is by Tannenbaum.....

http://www.amazon.com/Computer-Networks-5th-Andrew-Tanenbaum/dp/0132126958