Textbook in PDF format

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the essential technologies that that enable the smooth functioning of the Internet on a global scale, it explains how these technologies work together to enable a variety of online experiences, including sports and entertainment, intelligent shopping, and financial transactions. This invaluable reference provides the reader with a solid understanding of the innovations and advancements in technologies like Artificial Intelligence, 6G, fiber optics, cloud computing, and more ! Instead of investigating each technology in isolation, this book shows how they all fit together to reinforce and enhance a particular network capability. This hands-on guide is a unique jargon-free examination of current technologies for general audiences with only a basic knowledge of terminology: it is a foundational text, and no specialized knowledge is needed to understand the technologies discussed. Features Provides a strong historical foundation for understanding key technologies like Ethernet, mobile networks, and IPv6. Explains how modern data is efficiently transferred across continents using technologies like Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM). Addresses how cloud data centers, IoT, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications are transforming industries and includes guidance on managing smart factories, automated homes, and modern data ecosystems. Presents a balanced, insightful look at Artificial Intelligence separating hype from reality. Discusses AI topics including large language models (LLMs) and their role in natural language processing (NLP) and generative AI. Explores AI's integration with robotics and networking. Mobile Networks. IPv6. Packet Optical Networks. Cloud Computing and Data Centers. IoT and M2M. Robots and AI. Security and Privacy. Index