Providing essential information for business managers, computer programmers, system designers, as well as home computer users, the book provides a thorough introduction that includes coverage of the language of computer networks as well as the effects of data communications on business and society. Balancing technical concepts with everyday issues, it equips you with a solid understanding of the basic features, operations, and limitations of different types of computer networks. It offers full coverage of wireless technologies, industry convergence, compression techniques, network security, LAN technologies, VoIP, and error detection and correction. The book also offers up-to-the-minute coverage of near field communications, updated USB interface, lightning interface, and IEEE 802.11 ac and ad wireless standards, firewall updates, router security problems, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, zero-client workstations, and Internet domain names.