15 BEST Computer Networking Books (2023 Update)

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A computer network is a group of computers that use common communication protocols over digital interconnections to share resources located on or provided by the network nodes. You can establish a network connection using either cable or wireless media. Every network involves hardware and software that connects computers and tools.

Are you interested in learning the Computer Networking skills and looking for some excellent book that will help you skyrocket your Networking expertise? Then you have come to the right place.

Here is a curated list of the best books to learn Computer Networking for beginners. These books are highly recommended by Networking experts and are helpful for students to grasp the computer networking fundamentals. These resources will guide you to build your career in this promising field and make you a better Network Engineer. Read more…

Best Computer Networking Books for Beginners & Experts

Book Title	Author Name	Latest Edition	Publisher	Ratings	Link
CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide	Mike Meyers	7th edition	McGraw Hill		Learn More
Network Programmability and Automation	Jason Edelman	1st edition	‎O′Reilly		Learn More
Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach	James Kurose	7th edition	Pearson		Learn More
Computer Networks	Tanenbaum	5th edition	Pearson Education India		Learn More
Network Warrior	Gary A. Donahue	2nd edition	O′Reilly		Learn More

1) CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide

CompTIA Network+ exam guide is a book written by Mike Meyers. It is one of the best book for computer networks that provides clear instruction and real-world examples with hundreds of practice questions about the computer networking subject.

This complete network reference serves both as a study tool and a valuable job reference that will help readers beyond the exam.

This best networking book includes access to free video training and interactive, hands-on labs and simulations. This reference book also helps you to prepare for performance-based questions regarding computer networking subjects.

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2) Network Programmability and Automation

Network Programmability is a book that teaches you how to use Linux, Python, JSON, and XML—to automate their systems through code.

The book is written by a group of authors Jason Edelman, Scott S. Lowe, and Matt Oswalt. It covers Python programming basics, Linux fundamentals, JSON, XML, YAML, and YANG for networking, Jinja templating. The book includes topics like the role of API in network automation of Git to manage code changes. You will also learn how to use Ansible, Salt, and StackStrom to automate network devices.

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3) Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach

Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach is a book written by James Kurose and Keith Ross. The book teaches the complex subject of computer networking through a layered approach in a “top-down manner.” The book covers important concepts that help your learning of the study of networking.

It is one of the best Networking books which focuses on the Internet and the important issues of networking. It offers an excellent foundation for readers who want to deep dive into the world of computer science without going in deep into programming or mathematics.

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4) Computer Networks

Computer Networks is an introductory book written by. Andrew S. Tanenbaum. The book covers topics like Bluetooth, 802.11, 802.16, paired, and fixed coverage of ADSL, 3G cellular, and peer-to-peer networks. It is one of the best book for networking that discusses fiber to the home, delaying torrent networking, internet routing, real-time transport, and content distribution.

This book is available to buy in Kindle and paperback editions from Amazon. It includes eight chapters, including the physical layer, data link layer, and medium access control sub-layer. Then will learn advanced topics like the network layer, transport layer, and application layer.

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5) Network Warrior

Network Warrior is a book written by Gary A. Donahue. In this book, you will learn how to deal with real Cisco networks. This book provides step by step learning through the world of routers, switches, firewalls, and other network-related technologies.

This best networking book covers important topics like An in-depth view of routers and routing. IPv6 with configuration examples, Telecom technologies, Security, firewall theory, configuration, IP address allocation, Network Time Protocol (NTP), etc.

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6) Networking All-in-One For Dummies

Networking All-in-One For Dummies is a book written by Doug Lowe. It is an ideal beginner’s guide as well as the professional’s ideal reference book. The book covers all the information you will require setting up a network and make it functioning.

This is one of the best computer networking books that provides complete information for networking in systems like Windows 10 and Linux. It also covers best practices for security, mobile and cloud-based networking. The book covers all the latest trends of computer networking.

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7) Cisco Networking All-in-One For Dummies

Cisco Networking All-in-One For Dummies is a computer networking book written by Edward Tetz. This computer networking book includes all the information you need to learn to use Cisco routers and switches. This book teaches you difficult networking topics like virtualization and database technologies in easy-to-understand language.

This is one of the best textbook on computer networking for beginners, which teaches you how to design and implement Cisco networks. This book is a complete networking guide that provides you with the coverage, solutions, and best practices you want for this complex topic.

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8) Routing TCP/IP, Volume

Routing TCP/IP, Volume 1 is a book written by Jeff Doyle and Jennifer Carroll. This reference book provides readers an understanding of IP routing protocols. It is one of the best computer networks books that teaches how to implement these protocols using Cisco routers.

This best Computer Network book covers networking topics like protocol changes and Cisco features. This computer networking book also covers advanced topics like routing integrity, routing protocols, IPv6, its use with interior routing protocols, and its interoperability. Integration with IPv4 are also covered in this book.

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9) The All-New Switch Book

The All-New Switch Book is Rich Seifert and Jim Edwards. The book talks about the extensive changes to the LAN switching technologies. It explains why LAN switching technologies are important for network designing.

This best networking book covers topics like capabilities, application, and design of LAN switches. It is one of the best networking books for beginners that examines the significant changes that have taken place in the computer networking world. The author’s writing style is easy, which is hard to find in such a complicated subject.

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10) DATA COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING (SIE)

Data Communications and Networking is an ideal networking book written by FOROUZAN. The book presents this complex technical subject matter without relying on complex formulas with the help of 700 figures given in the book.

This is one of the best computer networking book that presents the fundamentals of knowledge about this subject in a clear, straightforward manner. The “bottom-up” approach helps instructors to cover the material in one course.

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11)(ISC) 2 CISSP Certified Information Systems Security Professional

(ISC) ² CISSP Study Guide is a book written by a group of authors Mike Chapple, David Seidl, James Michael Stewart, and Darryl Gibson. It is one of the best books on computer networking that helps you to prepare for the exam with the help of real-world examples.

Apart from this, you also get access to an online interactive learning environment that includes 250 questions. It is one of the best computer networks eBooks which includes a searchable glossary in PDF to which offers you instant access to the key terms which you should know for the CISSP exam.

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12) Network+ Guide to Networks

NETWORK+ GUIDE TO NETWORKS is a book written by Jill West, Tamara Dean, and Dean Andrews. The book covers all objectives, including protocols, topologies, network design, security, and troubleshooting.

This best networking book for beginners covers virtualization-based projects. The author also talks about his experience working with various hardware, software, operating systems, and device operations. The book covers topics like “On the Job” stories, Applying Concepts activities, and Hands-On and Capstone Projects. The book emphasis real-world problem solving provides the tools for success in any computing environment.

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13) Cisco CCNA Certification, 2 Volume Set: Exam 200-301

Cisco CCNA Certification two-book set written by Todd Lammle. It provides all the stuff which you need to become successful on the CCNA exam. The set covers Understanding Cisco Networking Technologies: Volume 1 and the CCNA Certification Study Guide: Volume 2.

This book set also provides comprehensive information and foundational knowledge about core Cisco technologies, helping you implement and administer Cisco solutions. Both of these books cover a range of topics so you can prepare for the exam and apply your technical knowledge.

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14) Mastering Python Networking

Mastering Python Networking is a book written by a group of writers: Eric Chou, Michael Kennedy, and Mandy Whaley. The book covers chapters on-network data analysis with ELK stack and Azure Cloud Networking. Every chapter is updated with the latest libraries with working examples.

In this best networking book, you will learn about the high-level Python packages and frameworks. It is one of the best network engineering books that helps you perform network automation tasks, monitoring, management, and enhanced network security, followed by Azure and AWS Cloud networking.

FAQ:

❓ Why Learn Computer Networking?

Learning Computer Networking helps you to enhance your problem-solving and logical skills. You can easily solve real-life networking problems and develop your investigating skills by putting efforts to solve tough networking problems. There are tremendous opportunities available worldwide for Computer Networking professionals. Therefore learning computer networking is beneficial in all aspects.

📚 Which are the best book to learn networking for beginners?

Following are some of the best Computer Networking books for beginners and experts

• CompTIA Network+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide
• Network Programmability and Automation
• Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach
• Computer Networks
• Network Warrior

🏅 Career Opportunities in Computer Networking

There are various career opportunities available in Computer Networking that you can opt for like:

• Network Technician
• Network Administrator
• Network Engineer
• Network Manager
• Network Analyst
• Network Solutions Architect
• Network Specialist and more