Books on Networking

[badman89]

Hi all, I'm requesting help from the CS enthusiasts here. I've recently developed an interest in learning some computer science. I'm currently doing a free online course called Introduction to Computer Science and Programming. Anywho, I would really like to learn the theory behind the working of my home network. What's going on between my ISP and my internet modem? What's going on between the modem and the router (and the rest of the network like switches / hubs). How does the process of data transfer work to the computer? Sorry if this sounds very vague but I'm not very knowledgeable in this matter.

Can anybody recommend some books that would teach these topics in a manner that is appropriate for introductory students of Computer Science?

 

[moviebiz]

I'm using Computer Networks and Internets by Douglas E. Comer in my computer networking class this semester. I don't know what your mathematics background is like, but the math in this book isn't very complicated. It will be helpful to understand how to perform logical bitwise (AND, OR, XOR, etc.) operations.