I was thrilled to review this book. I teach computer network classes and my research area is computer networks. The bright yellow cover definitely grabs your attention. The preface mentions popular software companies such as Google, Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube, and refers to recent advances in social networks. Students will surely have a quicker bond with the book compared to traditional textbooks. Although the book is not primarily a textbook, it can be used as one. An online search led me to some instructors who use this book as a textbook in open online classes and in university classes.

The book has 14 chapters and six parts. Part 1 focuses on WiFi and cellular networks, mentioning technologies such as code division multiple access (CDMA). Some chapters end with an interview with a technology expert, including Google’s Eric Schmidt and former Verizon Wireless CEO Dennis Strigl. Part 2 is about ranking, searching, and ad spaces on the Internet. Part 3 is about networked activities such as rating products, recommending movies, and learning socially. For instance, it takes a look at how Netflix makes recommendations algorithmically. Part 4 examines how videos go viral and how to spot influential people on social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Part 5 is about routers and distributed algorithms. Part 6 is about the transport layer and end-to-end design.

The book will give readers a pleasant intellectual journey through networks. Someone who is new to networks will find the book easy to read. However, someone who has prior knowledge of the area will not find it boring. The authors are very knowledgeable and have expertise on the subject from both academia and industry. I recommend this book as both a textbook and a resource to scholars, researchers, and anyone who works on networks.

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