The demand for communication networks has increased dramatically in the last few years, creating a need for an intermediate network that operates over a metropolitan area at comparatively high data rates with simple protocols. With some characteristics of local area networks and wide area networks, the metropolitan area network (MAN) technology reflects the best features of both. The motivations for MAN technology include o interconnection of LANs o high-speed services o integrated services. MANs can be used in the following areas: LAN interconnection Filetransfer Distributed processing Remote services Remote login Metropolitan Area Networks provides an introduction to the key concepts of MANs in an easily understood style. Organized into five chapters, this unique book acts as an excellent reference for a beginner as well as for the veteran in the field. Topics include: Introductory and background information about MANs Interworking devices, MAN topologies, and key issues Various popular protocols proposed for MANs Modeling and performance analysis of common MAN topologies Emerging MAN-related technologies such as BISDN, ATM networks, frame relay, cell relay, SONET, and SMDS For a broad understanding of this expanding subject, Metropolitan Area Networks serves as the singular standard in the field.

With the continuing success of Local Area Networks (IANs), there is an increasing demand to extend their capabilities towards higher data rates and wider areas. This, together with the progress in fiber-optic technology, has given rise to the so-called Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). MANs can span much greater distances than current LAN s, and offer data rates on the order of hundreds of Megabits/sec (Mbps). The success of MANs is mainly due to the opportunity they provide to develop new networking products capable of providing high-speed commu nications between applications at competitive prices, which nonetheless give an adequate return on the manufacturers' investments. A major factor in of appropriate networking standards. achieving this goal is the availability Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDl) and Distributed Queue Dual Bus (DQDB) are the two standard technologies for MANs for which industrial products are already available. For this reason, this book focuses mainly on these two standards. Nowadays there are several books dealing with MANs, and these look mainly at FDDI (e.g., [2], [92], [118], [141]). These books focus primarily on the architectures and protocols, whereas they pay little attention to per formance analysis. Due to the capability of MANs to integrate services, a quantitative analysis of the Quality of Service (QoS) provided by these tech nologies is a relevant issue, and is thus covered in depth in this book.

Metro Service Providers are increasingly turning to Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) to converge disparate networks and services into a unified core, maintain quality, and deliver additional value-added capabilities. MPLS for Metropolitan Area Networks addresses service providers' challenges by demonstrating solutions provided by MPLS features such as traffic engineering (TE), fast reroute, VPNs, virtual private LAN services (VPLS), and QoS. The text opens with an overview of metro networks and MPLS, describing business opportunities and challenges and how mission-critical applications can be deployed within Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs). It then examines traffic engineering issues, focusing on fundamental TE concepts, network control, trunk attributes, constraint-based routing (CBR), Resource Reservation Protocol with TE extensions (RSVP-TE), and resource optimization. Following a discussion on how MPLS can bring increased reliability to MANs, the author then concludes the book with a detailed analysis of the service aspect of MANs. Topics reviewed include L3 and L2 MPLS VPNs, geographically dispersed Ethernet multipoint services, virtual private LAN services (VPLS), and the integrated services (IntServ) and differentiated services (DiffServ) QoS models with respect to MPLS. The entire book adopts a simplify-and-exemplify approach, containing a series of real-life case studies and using representative topologies as a basis for illustrating the concepts discussed in each chapter. This learning-by-example approach helps you to remember and understand the complex MPLS concepts and technologies. You can then apply what you have learned from these examples and scenarios to your specific networking environments.

The main objective of this workshop was to review and discuss the state of the art and the latest advances· in the area of 1-10 Gbit/s throughput for local and metropolitan area networks. The first generation of local area networks had throughputs in the range 1-20 Mbit/s. Well-known examples of this first generation networks are the Ethernet and the Token Ring. The second generation of networks allowed throughputs in the range 100-200 Mbit/s. Representatives of this generation are the FDDI double ring and the DQDB (IEEE 802.6) networks. The third generation networks will have throughputs in the range 1-10 Gbit/s. The rapid development and deployment of fiber optics worldwide, as well as the projected emergence of a market for broadband services, have given rise to the development of broadband ISDN standards. Currently, the Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) appears to be a viable solution to broadband networks. The possibility of all-optical networks in the future is being examined. This would allow the tapping of approximately 50 terahertz or so available in the lightwave range of the frequency spectrum. It is envisaged that using such a high-speed network it will be feasible to distribute high-quality video to the home, to carry out rapid retrieval of radiological and other scientific images, and to enable multi-media conferencing between various parties.

As the demand for broadband services continues to grow worldwide, traditional solutions, such as digital cable and fiber optics, are often difficult and expensive to implement, especially in rural and remote areas. The emerging WiMAX system satisfies the growing need for high data-rate applications such as voiceover IP, video conferencing, interactive gaming, and multimedia streaming. WiMAX deployments not only serve residential and enterprise users but can also be deployed as a backhaul for Wi-Fi hotspots or 3G cellular towers. By providing affordable wireless broadband access, the technology of WiMAX will revolutionize broadband communications in the developed world and bridge the digital divide in developing countries. Part of the WiMAX Handbook, this volume focuses on the standards and security issues of WiMAX. The book examines standardized versus proprietary solutions for wireless broadband access, reviews the core medium access control protocol of WiMAX systems, and presents carriers' perspectives on wireless services. It also discusses the main mobility functions of the IEEE 802.16e standard, describes how to speed up WiMAX handover procedures, presents the 802.16 mesh protocol, and surveys the testing and certification processes used for WiMAX products. In addition, the book reviews the security features of both IEEE 802.16 and WiMAX. With the revolutionary technology of WiMAX, the lives of many will undoubtedly improve, thereby leading to greater economic empowerment.

Welcome to the world of Computer Networks! In an era where communication and connectivity are the backbone of our digital society, understanding the intricacies of computer networks is more crucial than ever. This book aims to be your comprehensive guide to the fundamental concepts, protocols, and technologies that form the foundation of modern networking. A Journey through Computer Networks is designed to cater to a ranging from students eager to grasp the basics to professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of networking principles. As the demand for efficient and secure communication continues to grow, this book equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of computer networks.