One of the foremost experts on Ethernet standards and configuration, Charles Spurgeon, has just written a new book: Ethernet: The Definitive Guide, released by O'Reilly & Associates ($44.95). Used by networking administrators since the early 1980's, Ethernet is the core networking technology used by every high tech business. While the basic protocols have changed little, new options such as Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet have increased the complexity of the topic.

"Writing provided a way to share what I had learned about Ethernet during years of designing and operating large campus network systems. It also provided a good excuse to acquire copies of the IEEE standards and spend time becoming more knowledgeable about Ethernet," says Spurgeon. "However, the major reason why I have written on this topic was because I had problems finding accurate books on Ethernet. Over the years I have encountered a number of books on Ethernet that are riddled with a surprising number of technical errors, not to mention various assertions that are flat-out wrong."

Ethernet: The Definitive Guide includes everything you need to know to set up and maintain an Ethernet network. "Ethernet has become the most widely used networking technology in the world," explains Spurgeon. "And it is still evolving. Ethernet has been in use for over 20 years, and there's a lot of Ethernet equipment in place-ranging from the original 10 Mbps systems on up to Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps). My book covers the entire range of Ethernet speeds and components, providing the information people need to understand and manage their Ethernet systems."

Ethernet: The Definitive Guide is logically separated into five parts which include an introduction to Ethernet, media systems, how to build your Ethernet system, performance analysis and troubleshooting. "This is the most complete resource on Ethernet that I have ever seen. LAN administrators and architects, consultants, and developers alike will find this an indispensable resource," says Chris North.

Online Resources

• The author created an Ethernet Web site, which has been available at the same URL since February 1994. "This makes it one of the oldest continually operating Web sites that I know of," he says.

• More information about the book, including Table of Contents, index, author bio, and samples.

• Sample section from the book, available free online.

• Cover graphic in jpeg format.