This classic textbook aims to provide a fundamental understanding of the principles that underlie the design of data networks, which form the backbone of the modern internet. It was developed through classroom use at MIT in the 1980s, and continues to be used as a textbook in MIT classes. The present edition also contains detailed high-quality solutions to all the end-of-chapter exercises.

Among its major features the book:

1) Describes the principles of layered architectures. 2) Explains the principles of data link control, with many examples and insights into distributed algorithms and protocols. 3) Provides an intuitive coverage of queueing, and its applications in delay and performance analysis of networks. 4) Covers the theory of multiaccess communications and local data networks. 5) Discusses in-depth theoretical and practical aspects of routing and topological design. 6) Covers the theory of flow control, emphasizing issues of congestion and delay in integrated high-speed networks.