TCP/IP Network Administration (3rd Edition; O'Reilly Networking)

For command examples in this book, author used Linux and Sun Solaris. But this book should apply on any UNIX operating system (including HP-UX, BSD, Mac OS X, and AIX). There might be a little command adjustment needed for specific UNIX operating system, which should be not causing trouble at all.

As said by other reviewers, this book explains a complete aspects of what any UNIX system administration should concern about. Even if you are only an end user; this book I think is also important to you, especially when the system administrator is not available.

The book gives a comprehensive idea of TCP/IP system. It starts on TCP/IP overview, IP addressing, IP routing (routing table and ARP), DNS, server configuration, and file and print server (chapter 1, 2, and 3). Chapter 4 to 5 concerns on how UNIX operating system configure the network.

Chapter 6 to 9 are the next step on configuration. They prepare you how to make every network component internetwork to each other. Chapter 10 to 12 are overview on more advanced topics. Finally, chapter 13 presents you how to get more info on TCP/IP specification.

I would like to point out that this book assumes some conditions. The author expected that the audiances have a fair knowledge of TCP/IP. If you think that you have a little or no prior knowledge, I suggest that you read the following books on TCP/IP. You should first read "Internetworking with TCP/IP Vol. 1: Principles, Protocols, and Architectures" by Douglas Comer, "TCP/IP Addressing" by Buck Graham, and "IP Addressing and Subnetting" by J.D. Wegner.

If you are a more advanced reader who needs to know more about certain topics, here are my suggestion. For those who need to take a closer look on ARP frames and packets, you should read "TCP/IP Illustrated Vol. 1: The Protocols" by Richard Stevens. Need more troubleshooting tips? Read "Network Analysis and Troubleshooting" J. Scott Haugdahl. Prefer on network security? Have "Building Internet Firewalls" by Elizabeth Zwicky and "Intrusion Signatures and Analysis" by Mark Cooper.

As a network administration, I personally love this book. Together with "UNIX System Administration Handbook" by Evi Nemeth and "UNIX Powertools" by Jerry Peek; they make a sufficient reference for any UNIX system administrators and end users, especially if you are new to the subjects. The coverages are step by step and thorough. You should have no worries using or administrating UNIX network with this book and all other I mentioned before.


Another excellent contribution to the O'Reilly Empire   June 18, 2000
Richard Bejtlich (Metro Washington, DC)
18 out of 18 found this review helpful

I am responsible for a 50+ person intrusion detection mission, and I read this book in February 2000 to supplement my knowledge of TCP/IP. Like other great technical books, this volume manages to educate the reader on subjects related to TCP/IP, while still covering the main material thoroughly. (I place Rod Smith's "Multi-Boot Configuration Handbook in this category as well.) This is the type of book that tempts you to highlight chunks of text on every page. Keep in mind the audience is a system administrator, so theory is supplemented by suggested best practices and configuration options. I'm looking forward to an updated version of the Windows version of TCP/IP Network Administration -- any publication dates available, Craig?


Best TCP/IP Book Hands Down!   May 19, 2003
G. Maxwell (Pennsylvania)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

As with all of O'Reilly's books, this one is technically accurate and fundamentally sound.

It does not teach TCP/IP from a simplistic approach--telling you only what you need to know and leaving you begging for more. It lays a ground work based upon the actual theory of these protocols and how they were developed and the thinking that was involved in their creation.

From there, it takes you step by step through the layers of the protocols and presents everything that most people would need to know--even more than they would need to know.

Especially enlightening were the chapters on IPv6--the next generation of the IP protocol, and the chapter covering subnetting.

Overall, if you need the one book to explain TCP/IP and the "ins-and-outs" of these networking protocols, look no further.

This book has all you'll need.


You would be hard pressed to find a better manual.   April 25, 2002
Michael J Woznicki (Holland, MA USA)
16 out of 17 found this review helpful

Having reviewed over 600 books in the past several years I am sometimes have to stop and recognize a truly exceptional book and this is one of those times. Having worked with TCP/IP for over 5 years, after reading this book I was amazed at how much I didn't know.

While it is true this book is written for the UNIX/Linux environments, the principles involved will apply to almost any network environment. The 700 plus page book is very well written and extremely well documented, the author has certainly done his homework for this book.

The breakdown of TCP/IP is excellent and there is great material for routing, security and troubleshooting as well. You have been given numerous examples to learn from and work with. Overall this book is certainly one to have around and a great addition to my technical library.


Recommended to any Linux administrator...EXCELLENT and HANDY   August 29, 1999
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

This is a GREAT O'Reilly book! I've heard many good things about their books, but now I know how good they are first hand! Great book, great for reference and examples! A MUST HAVE for any *NIX admin! I just wish it covered BIND8, but...oh well! Still...a top choice!