Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
  A Unique approach June 2, 2007
I found this book very well written, and a different approach to a poorly documented topic in the IT world. The book is properly, very thorough, and best I can tell somewhat dated as it discusses a lot of Token Ring, Novell IPX, Netbios, Netbeui, Win95, 98, NT4 topics. It covered many items I had long forgotten about, but are still relevant and important. What I would love to see, is an updated version of this book, that drops IPX, Token Ring, and all the outdated topics, and concentrates almost exclusively on IP. I would greatly appreciate a concentration on real packet captures and decoding longer streams. Ideally, the book would either come with a cd, or a web site link to captures. Reading about Network Analysis is one thing, but what is most helpful for some of us, is a hands on, following along with the book, to try it first hand.
Regardless, the book is first rate. It's isn't a Laura Chappell style book if that is what you are hoping for. It is more of a, here's what you learned years ago, and now, why it matters. When I first learned the OSI 7 layer model etc, I had no clue how it applied in the real world, now that I do, this book helps bring a deeper understanding to it.
Great job!
 Don't let it's tiny size fool ya!! March 31, 2001
Impressive! Mr. Haugdahl's explanation of the various OSI layers is killer enough. Got too deep on certain topics; but then again, you wouldn't want someone preaching complete network analysis to skimp on details now, would you? Great reads on the use of NA's Sniffer and MS' Network Monitor tools, as well as full illustrated details on the DOs and DON'Ts of network design. Awesome book!!!
Casts new light on network traffic; great for IDS operators December 18, 2000
16 out of 16 found this review helpful
I am an ex-Air Force officer with 2+ years of hands-on intrusion detection experience, and I rate books on how well they deliver technical content to front-line operators. Scott's book is absolutely first-rate, written in a clear, friendly style that keeps the reader's attention. Backing up the technical content, the book offers plenty of history and answers to the "why?" questions asked when learning network protocols. For example, why do various Ethernet frame formats exist (Ethernet/DIX/Ethernet II vs. IEEE 802.3 w/LLC Header vs. IEEE 802.3 w/LLC SNAP extension)? Short answer -- blame IBM! Long answer -- read pages 82-86.The logically arranged material makes Scott's book a powerful learning tool. After introducing protocol analysis in chapter 1, he devotes a full chapter to each of the seven layers of the OSI model. (No, he doesn't skip the session and presentation layers!) By taking a layered approach, Scott compares same-layer protocols and makes each understandable in context (i.e., DNS vs. NetBIOS vs. Netware SAP, all at layer 5 -- somewhat controversially; DNS at layer 5?) Chapter 9 finishes with advice on measuring latency and throughput. I learned something new about protocols at each layer, even after reading many authoritative TCP/IP volumes. For example, Scott's explanation of NetBIOS as a session protocol and Server Message Block (SMB) as an application protocol finally made it clear how these standards interact on Windows networks. The text is backed up by numerous screen captures of protocol decodes, adding to the learning value. ....The few typos or mistakenly omitted material do not detract from the book's overall message. If you've read Richard Stevens, Eric Hall, etc., and you think you've run out of resources for understanding network traffic, give Scott's book a try. You'll be informed and pleasantly surprised!
Must-Have Network Analysis Tips May 18, 2000
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I've read numerous texts on Analysis and Troubleshooting Networks and this was the best. Taking years of experience and training and creating an outline for use in the field is what the Author's done. Having studied everything from the 802.3 standard itself to analysis handbooks by vendors and other authors, I found this to be concise and direct in application and use in the field. Being the Lead Analyst in a company with over 150 nations globally, this text will be valuable to our teams and is being disseminated as a field handbook for troubleshooting. It's a thorough review of protocols from physical through application layers over the majority of topologies extant in today's corporate infrastructures. My Thanks to the Author and those responsible for it's publication.
Been there done that! April 18, 2000
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I just finished a course by the Author..... He really knowshis stuff! The book is a must have for any analyst! It walks you allthe way up the protocol stack and gives you real world examples. Thebook is also loaded with tips and problem solving ideas. END
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