Computer Networking Problems and Solutions cuts through the issues facing modern networks in a unique way, explaining why computer networks and protocols are designed the way they are by explaining the set of problems any network protocol or system must overcome, then considering the common solutions to those problems, and finally providing examples of these solutions as implemented in protocols both old and new.

This book is arranged in three sections, each covering a different set of problems and solutions. The first section considers data transport, or the data plane. The second covers the protocols used to discover and use topology and reachability information, or the control plane. The third considers some common network designs and architectures, including data center fabrics, MPLS cores, and software defined wide area networks (SD-WAN). The principles that underlie such technologies as Software Defined Networks (SDNs) are considered throughout the book as solutions to the common problem set all networking technologies face.

• Part 1: Overview
• 1. Fundamental Concepts
• Part 2: The Data Plane
• 2. Data Transmission: Problems and Solutions
• 3. Data Transmission: Examples
• 4. Modeling the Forwarding Flow
• 5. How a Router Switches Packets
• 6. Quality of Service: Problems and Solutions
• 7. Defining Network Virtualization
• 8. Virtualization Examples
• 9. Data Plane Security
• 10. Redundant and Resilient
• 11. Processing Beyond Switching
• Part 3: The Control Plane
• 12. Reacting to Topology Changes
• 13. Understanding the Control Plane as a Database
• 14. Topology Discovery
• 15. Interlayer Discovery Examples
• 16. Unicast Loop Free Paths
• 17. Unicast Control Planes
• 18. Failure Domains and Information Hiding: Problems and Solutions
• 19. Failure Domains and Information Hiding: Examples
• 20. Control Plane Policy and Tradeoffs
• 21. Security: A Broader Sweep
• 22. Network Design Patterns
• Part 4: Architectures and Systems
• 23. Virtualized Network Functions
• 24. Internet of Things
• 25. The World of Hyperscale and Data Analytics
• 26. Data Center Fabric Example
• 27. SD-WAN Example
• 28. Enterprise Campus Example
• 29. Global vs. Regional Anycast Example

• Provides both depth and interactive understanding
• A problem/solution/implementation pattern that facilitates understanding how to approach problems, rather than simply providing information about specific technologies that become quickly obsolete
• A proven system of learning that enables engineers to keep pace with fast changing technological innovation
• Explanations by three engineers experienced in explaining complex ideas to engineers of all levels of skill