For undergraduate or graduate-level courses in Computer Networks, Internet Technology, Computer Communications and Networks, and Data Communications and Networks in the departments of Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Information Science and Engineering.

Building on the strength of his two other successful texts, Stallings' new text provides a fresh “Top Down” and comprehensive “Top Down” survey of the entire field of computer networks and Internet technology—including an up-to-date report of leading-edge technologies. It emphasizes both the fundamental principles as well as the critical role of performance in driving protocol and network design. The basic themes of principles, design approaches, and standards throughout the text unify the discussion.