Foundations of Enterprise Networking: Design, Security, and Connectivity

Description:

As organizations scale and evolve in a hyper-connected world, the foundation of every successful enterprise lies in its ability to build, secure, and manage robust networking infrastructure. Foundations of Enterprise Networking: Design, Security, and Connectivity delivers a complete undergraduate-level introduction to modern networking concepts, architectures, and practices that support business-critical systems and services. Tailored for aspiring network engineers, IT professionals, and cybersecurity learners, this textbook provides a clear, accessible roadmap through the core components of enterprise networking. Beginning with an overview of network types, topologies, and models like OSI and TCP/IP, the book lays the groundwork for understanding how data flows through interconnected systems. Readers then explore essential hardware such as routers, switches, and firewalls, and delve into transmission media and signaling methods. A strong emphasis is placed on IP addressing, subnetting, routing protocols (RIP, OSPF, BGP), and the logical structuring of networks for performance and scalability. Core chapters examine key technologies and operational frameworks including VLANs, remote connectivity (VPN, SSH, IPsec), and wireless networking standards. Students learn to configure and troubleshoot enterprise networks using real-world tools and scenarios. Security-focused modules cover firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, access controls, encryption, endpoint protection, and Zero Trust design. Practical skills are reinforced through lab simulations and case-based learning, culminating in a capstone project where learners design a secure enterprise network. The text also integrates contemporary innovations such as network virtualization, cloud networking, SDN, and automation via APIs and orchestration tools like Ansible. It highlights the growing impact of IoT, edge computing, AI, and 5G on network design and security, ensuring learners are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.

Key Features:

• Full-spectrum coverage of physical and logical networking, including devices, protocols, architectures, and security.
• Hands-on instruction in subnetting, routing, Wi-Fi configuration, VPN deployment, and access control.
• Step-by-step breakdowns of TCP/IP communication, protocol behavior, and traffic flow analysis.
• Practical exposure to monitoring tools, diagnostic techniques, and troubleshooting best practices.
• Emphasis on enterprise-grade design principles, from fault tolerance to scalability and high availability.
• Future-ready focus on SDN, container networking, automation, and emerging technologies.
• Capstone project guiding learners through the design of a secure and scalable enterprise network.

Ideal For:

Undergraduate students pursuing degrees in networking, cybersecurity, computer information systems, or IT management; aspiring network and security professionals seeking practical knowledge and certification readiness; instructors designing foundational networking courses; and anyone looking to master the building blocks of enterprise connectivity and defense.

Walsh College Students: This is the required textbook for IT201: Introduction to Networking

ISBN-13: 979-8-9988425-7-3

Format: E-Book