Book excerpt: This book provides a clear and easy to follow treatment of communications and networking. It is written specifically for undergraduates who have no previous experience in the field. The author takes a step-by-step approach, with many examples and exercises designed to give the reader experience and increase confidence by using and designing communications systems. Written by a lecturer with many years' experience teaching undergraduate programmes, the text takes the reader through the essentials of networking and provides a comprehensive, reliable and thorough treatment of the subject. The book is also accessible for business professionals.