Understanding Computer Networks

About the Book

Understanding Computer Networks is one of the standout works in the Chinese-language networking literature. Combining the latest network technologies and applications, it gives a detailed account of network architecture, working principles, and hands-on practice. Starting from networking basics, it works layer by layer through the TCP/IP stack, with focused coverage of key technologies such as HTTP/HTTPS, routing algorithms, and network security, aiming to help readers build a complete, sturdy body of networking knowledge.

Key Concepts

Based on your learning plan, the book’s core topics include:

1. Network architecture: How the seven-layer OSI model maps onto the four- and five-layer TCP/IP models.
2. Physical and data link layers: The foundations of data transmission—Ethernet, MAC addresses, and more.
3. Network layer: The IP protocol and routing algorithms (such as OSPF and BGP).
4. Transport layer: TCP and UDP in detail, including connection management, congestion control, and reliable delivery.
5. Application layer: How common protocols such as HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, and FTP work.
6. Network security: Fundamental security concepts such as firewalls, encryption, and VPNs.

Key Takeaways

As the third core book in your “inner fundamentals” study plan, this book provides a solid theoretical basis for the many networking questions that come up in web development and distributed system design. After finishing it, you will understand RESTful API design, the principles behind RPC frameworks, the configuration of reverse proxies such as Nginx, and service discovery and communication in microservice architectures far more deeply. That understanding is crucial for tracking down network latency, optimizing system performance, and building highly available distributed systems.