Elements of Network Protocol Design

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: After reading the (glowing) reviews for this book, I purchased a copy. I would say that this book is pretty weak. He presents a lot of shallow arguments, but doesn't go into the details that one would expect. His coverage of the Internet protocols is not at all in depth. I had hoped to get a more detailed analysis of the protocols of the Internet. I also find his presentation for describing the "Abstract Protocol" language as vague and confusing, and the syntax is needlessly convoluted. Why does he need to use a 'box' symbol to separate different actions? Perhaps another symbol which actually appears on most keyboards would have been a better choice.

Rating:
Summary: WOW ?
Review: After reading the (glowing) reviews for this book, I purchased a copy. I would say that this book is pretty weak. He presents a lot of shallow arguments, but doesn't go into the details that one would expect. His coverage of the Internet protocols is not at all in depth. I had hoped to get a more detailed analysis of the protocols of the Internet. I also find his presentation for describing the "Abstract Protocol" language as vague and confusing, and the syntax is needlessly convoluted. Why does he need to use a 'box' symbol to separate different actions? Perhaps another symbol which actually appears on most keyboards would have been a better choice.

Rating:
Summary: WOW!!!
Review: I used this book for my Computer Networks class that M. Gouda taught at the University of Texas. It was very straight-forward and easy to read. I learned a lot from the book. It starts off teaching basic network concepts and moves on to more complex issues at a good pace.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Not only did I have the pleasure of reading this book for my Networks class, Professor Gouda also the instructor for the course. The book is excellent -- and though it is not entirely applicable -- for networking theory it is outstanding. The book is very clear and though technical in nature --- it is not long winded and difficult to understand. I completely recommend this book for anyone who would like to learn the basics of networking.

Rating:
Summary: WOW!!!
Review: This is SUCH a good book. I took an intro to Networks class and this was the book we used. It was my senior year and I was SO sick of reading textbooks that made no sense. This book made me decide to get my masters in networks. It is very clearly written, very easy to read, the explenations of the algorithms are easy to understand. This book deserves 6 stars, not 5.

Rating:
Summary: Save your money, buy anything else.
Review: Too bad I couldn't give this book 0 stars. Like others giving this book a review, I took the Networks class with Gouda (a few years back). There was nothing redeeming about this book, it's just total BS. I didn't learn anything of value from the book or the class, and neither did any of the dozens of other people I have talked to in person (undergraduate and graduate students). It seems that Gouda doesn't really know much about Networking. Thus, he created his convoluted interpretation that nobody else uses or really understands so he can elevate himself on a pseudo-intellectual pedestal. The other regular Networks teacher at UTCS is currently using a decent book 'Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach Featuring the Internet' by James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross. Previously he used Comer's books on Networking. Either of those choices is vastly superior than Gouda's offering.