Executive or sales managers in networking companies, data communications engineers and telecommunications professionals must all have a thorough working knowledge of the ever-growing and interrelated array of telecom and data communications technologies. From protocols and operation of the Internet (IP, TCP, HTTP) and its access systems such as ADSL and GSM to the basics of transmission and switching, this resource delivers an introduction to a broad range of networking technologies, explaining the networking essentials you need to know to be a successful networking professional. The text also explores possible future developments in optical, wireless and digital broadcast communications.