Top Networking books recommended by experts

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

Table of Contents

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.

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-offs that each different approach represents. Includes chapter homework problems and a glossary. This…

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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 feature in any IT networking exam you will take, and they can form up to 9% of your final marks. You wi…

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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).

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Network Warrior

Network Warrior takes you step by step through the world of routers, switches, firewalls, and other technologies based on the author's extensive field experience.

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Superconnector: Stop Networking and Start Building Business Relationships that Matter

Superconnector: Stop Networking and Start Building Business Relationships that Matter. A step-by-step approach for all those who want to stop networking for the sake of networking. In Superconnector, you'll learn the fundamentals of creating and enhancing authentic and transparent communities.

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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 complicated, develops bugs, and encounters all the fun sorts of trouble you expect from a complex system. Idea…

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Additional Networking Reading

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

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.

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Computer Networks

Tanenbaum takes a structured approach to explaining how networks work from the inside out. He starts with an explanation of the physical layer of networking, computer hardware and transmission systems; then works his way up to network applications. Tanenbaum's in-depth application coverage includes email; the domain name system; the World Wide Web (both client- and server-side); and multimedia…

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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 management, based on the authors’ many years of field experience. When should you upgrade to higher spe…

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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/IP veterans. The book includes the latest on Web protocols and new hardware, plus very timely infor…

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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 network professionals and students need to deploy and manage IPv6 networks. Leading networking instructor…

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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.

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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.

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 detail. You’ll find learning objectives at the beginning of each chapter, exam tips, scenarios, practice…

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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 using the fully updated information contained in this comprehensive self study system. The book offers …

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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 2, present complete reviews and a more challenging and realistic preparation experience. The books …

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