Freeman is a practitioner of data communications. His stated objective in writing this book is “to share with the reader some of [his] learning experiences and to facilitate an understanding of data communications that emphasizes practical applications rather than theory.” A basic background in electricity and a desire to learn what is happening in cyberspace are sufficient to understand this book and benefit from it. Although the author correctly identifies this as a reference book for practitioners, I would not hesitate to use it as a companion volume to a first course in data communications.
The book consists of 13 chapters and two appendices. The chapter titles are
Introduction
Basic Data Transmission
The Transmission of Data Over Analog Channels
The Telecommunications Network as a Vehicle for Data Transport
Data Networks
Data Communications in the Office Environment
Wide Area Networks
Integrated Services Digital Network
Speeding Up the Network: Fast Packets
Broadband Data Transport Techniques
Broadband Multimedia Communications
The Asynchronous Transfer Mode and Broadband ISDN
Network Management
Each chapter is followed by an adequate list of references, and there is a good index. Although there are not many examples and exercises to help students attempting to learn the material for the first time, the presentation level is about right for a reference book. The strength of the book lies in the author’s intimate and apparently first-hand knowledge of the revolution taking place in the communications world. In his attempt to lay bare the complexity of this field, the author systematically demystifies the meaning behind the complex jargon pervading this field. Often, understanding the meaning behind a technical word is all that is necessary to internalize the associated concept. As a person familiar with most of the issues discussed, I especially enjoyed this anecdotal presentation. The best way to benefit from this book is to use it as a companion to a text that focuses on theoretical concepts. With the advent of the Internet and the World Wide Web, computer and communications jargon pervades our everyday lives, and a scientist cannot afford to be illiterate in this area. Anyone who has any passing interest in cyberspace can gain some benefit from this reference book. There is adequate coverage of the ubiquitous topic of standards.
