Designed for the beginner yet useful for the expert, COMPUTER NETWORKING FROM LANS TO WANS: HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, AND SECURITY covers all aspects of computer networking. Hardware details such as the operation of Ethernet, network media and devices, including hubs, switches, routers, and physical topology, are provided, with many design and troubleshooting examples. Software details such as the operation of the TCP/IP protocols, routing protocols, and network operating systems are examined. Applications, such as FTP, Telnet, and email are explained in detail, as are the requirements of writing client/server applications, with several working examples provided. Techniques for applying security to networking and computing activities are covered, including network management, secure communication methods such as SSH, TLS, and VPN, and the fundamentals of forensics. A strong pedagogical approach introduces each new topic with practical, real-world examples, and step-by-step Hands-On Projects. A companion CD includes videos and numerous files that allow the reader to perform important hands-on networking, security, and forensic activities.