Top Networking books curated by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we have connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favouriteNetworking books – and here are the answers.

  • Curated by industry experts
  • Proven learning resources
  • Updated annually
Top Networking books recommended by experts
User Check

Did you know?

We have over 3,000 mentors available right now!

Fundamentals of Networking

Understanding the concepts of Networking starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

TCP/IP for Dummies

TCP/IP for Dummies

TCP/IP is a hot topic, because it's the glue that holds the Internet and the Web together, and network administrators need to stay on top of the latest developments. TCP/IP For Dummies, 6th Edition, is both an introduction to the basics for beginners as well as the perfect go-to resource for TCP…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

The All-New Switch Book: The Complete Guide to LAN Switching Technology

The All-New Switch Book: The Complete Guide to LAN Switching Technology

This much-needed update to the bestselling guide on the extensive changes to the local area networks (LAN) switching technologies explains why LAN switching technologies are critical to network design. This in-depth guide covers the capabilities, application, and design of LAN switches and switc…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Data Communications and Networking with TCP/IP Protocol Suite

Data Communications and Networking with TCP/IP Protocol Suite

TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol and is a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the internet. TCP/IP is also used as a communications protocol in a private computer network (an intranet or extranet).

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Networking All-in-One For Dummies

Networking All-in-One For Dummies

Designed to replace that groaning shelf-load of dull networking books you’d otherwise have to buy and house, Networking All-in-One For Dummies covers all the basic and not-so-basic information you need to get a network up and running. It also helps you keep it running as it grows more complicate…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach

Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach

Unique among computer networking texts, the Seventh Edition of the popular Computer Networking: A Top Down Approach builds on the author's long tradition of teaching this complex subject through a layered approach in a “top-down manner.” The text works its way from the application layer down tow…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

IP Subnetting - From Zero to Guru

IP Subnetting - From Zero to Guru

IP subnetting is a subject you need to master if you want to enjoy a successful career in IT. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the hardest to learn: you must understand binary math, hexadecimal, address classes, private addressing, IPv6, and many other topics. Subnetting questions are sure to fea…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Additional Networking Reading

These books are not required for you to learn Networking, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

IPv6 Fundamentals: A Straightforward Approach to Understanding IPv6

IPv6 Fundamentals: A Straightforward Approach to Understanding IPv6

To support future business continuity, growth, and innovation, organizations must transition to IPv6, the next generation protocol for defining how computers communicate over networks. IPv6 Fundamentals provides a thorough yet easy-to-understand introduction to the new knowledge and skills netwo…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Ethernet: The Definitive Guide

Ethernet: The Definitive Guide

Get up to speed on the latest Ethernet capabilities for building and maintaining networks for everything from homes and offices to data centers and server machine rooms. This thoroughly revised, comprehensive guide covers a wide range of Ethernet technologies, from basic operation to network man…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Interconnections: Bridges, Routers, Switches, and Internetworking Protocols

Interconnections: Bridges, Routers, Switches, and Internetworking Protocols

A text on networking theory and practice, providing information on general networking concepts, routing algorithms and protocols, addressing, and mechanics of bridges, routers, switches, and hubs. Describes all major network algorithms and protocols in use today, and explores engineering trade-o…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

The Illustrated Network: How TCP/IP Works in a Modern Network

The Illustrated Network: How TCP/IP Works in a Modern Network

The Illustrated Network: How TCP/IP Works in a Modern Network, Second Edition presents an illustrated explanation on how TCP/IP works, using consistent examples from a working network configuration that includes servers, routers and workstations.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

How to Be a Power Connector: The 5+50+100 Rule for Turning Your Business Network Into Profits

How to Be a Power Connector: The 5+50+100 Rule for Turning Your Business Network Into Profits

How to Be a Power Connector by Judy Robinett is a guide to building a purposeful network. It provides tips on creating authentic connections, leveraging social media, and cultivating strong relationships to achieve personal and professional success.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Specializations and Deeper Networking Knowledge

You've got your basics in order – time to move on to some advanced and specialized concepts. Networking is evolving every day, these books can help you master it.

CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Library

CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Library

CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Library is a comprehensive review and practice package for the latest CCNA exam and is the only self-study resource approved by Cisco. The two books contained in this package, CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume 1 and CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide, Volume…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition (Exam N10-008)

CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition (Exam N10-008)

Get complete coverage of all the CompTIA Network+ exam objectives inside this comprehensive resource. Created and edited by Mike Meyers, the leading expert on CompTIA certification and training, CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Eighth Edition covers exam N10-008 in full deta…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Seventh Edition (Exam N10-007)

CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, Seventh Edition (Exam N10-007)

Thoroughly revised for the new CompTIA Network+ exam, the Seventh Edition of this bestselling All in One Exam Guide delivers 100 percent coverage of the exam objectives and serves as a valuable on the job reference Take the latest version of the CompTIA Network+ exam with complete confidence usi…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

This list is curated by MentorCruise and can include Amazon affiliate links. Have any other suggestions? Add here.

Augment your Networking books

There is no better source of accountability and motivation than having a personal mentor. What used to be impossible to find is now just two clicks away! All mentors are vetted & hands-on!

Still not convinced? Don't just take our word for it

We've already delivered 1-on-1 mentorship to thousands of students, professionals, managers and executives. Even better, they've left an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 for our mentors.

Find a Networking mentor