Due to the massive expansion of the Internet and the WWW TCP/IP has become the de facto network architecture standard (even PC networks using IPX/SPX protocols need to run a TCP/IP stack to connect the Internet).

The first 3 chapters are a general introduction. Chapter 1 introduces TCP/IP, its history (to enable the interconnection of diverse host computers with different operating systems linked by different networks), outlines the TCP/IP protocols and how these relate to the ISO OSI 7-layer network architecture model (came well after TCP/IP). Chapter 2 thoroughly describes the IP addressing mechanism, routing, address resolution (mapping IP address to local network addresses), ports and sockets, i.e. discussing how data gets to a machine on the other side of the world. Chapter 3 looks at clients and servers discussing services such as DNS (which converts host names to IP addresses), POP3 and SMTP (mail), BOOTP, DHCP (automatic allocation of IP addresses), etc. The next seven chapters are aimed at UNIX network administrators setting up the network, configuring TCP/IP, interfacing to protocols such as Ethernet and PPP and setting up servers for DNS, BOOTP, DHCP, mail, etc. There are then chapters on troubleshooting, security (user control, firewalls, encryption, etc.) and Internet information resources. The discussion is supported by plenty of diagrams and practical examples.

A very practical well-written book providing every-thing required by UNIX network administrator for setting up and managing TCP/IP. It is also well worth considering by administrators using other operating systems who have to provide TCP/IP services.