This book is intended to help students understand certain practical aspects of
computer networking.We focus on simulation of basic computer networking
protocols for a deeper understanding of the workings of the protocols as well
as for performance evaluation. We have also included socket programming
taught at the undergraduate level to help students develop skills for network
programming. Considering that students may have widely different backgrounds,
we have included certain basics of networking to make the book
self-contained. However, the introductory treatment on networking issues is
given as a refresher of the basic concepts involved, and thorough learning of
the relevant concepts from a networking book is a necessity before this book
can be used.
It is well accepted that the knowledge acquired from a theoretical reading,
especially in a subject such as computer networking, is incomplete when
not accompanied by hands-on practice. The book is sprinkled with examples
of simulations of both wired and wireless networking protocols. The assignments
have been designed to be suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate
levels of learning. For the advanced learner, suitable hints have been
provided throughout the text to develop the skills for evaluation of new protocols.