Answering the need for an accessible overview of the field, this text/reference presents a manageable introduction to both the theoretical and practical aspects of computer networks and network programming. Clearly structured and easy to follow, the book describes cutting-edge developments in network architectures, communication protocols, and programming techniques and models, supported by code examples for hands-on practice with creating network-based applications. Features: presents detailed coverage of network architectures; gently introduces the reader to the basic ideas underpinning computer networking, before gradually building up to more advanced concepts; provides numerous step-by-step descriptions of practical examples; examines a range of network programming techniques; reviews network-based data storage and multimedia transfer; includes an extensive set of practical code examples, together with detailed comments and explanations.

Dr. Bogdan Ciubotaru was an IRC Postdoctoral research fellow in the School of Electronic Engineering at Dublin City University, Ireland, and currently works for Everseen Ltd., Ireland.Dr. Gabriel-Miro Muntean is a Lecturer, co-Director of the Performance Engineering Laboratory, and Director of the RINCE Institute's Network Innovations Centre at Dublin City University. He is also a Consultant Professor at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, China.