The Protocols (TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1)

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book.
Review: Yet again, W. Richard Stevens has written one of the best computer books ever. It is informative, well written, consise and easy to read. In addition to that, his teaching technique is highly effective and very interesting

Rating:
Summary: Probably the best IT book ever written
Review: You can always tell which reference books were worth the money... they get worn out (the ones you waste your money on still look brand new years later). Well, I've worn two of these books out completely and just bought my third. I'd say that indicates I'm using them a LOT.

It is true that the book does not cover some new topics such as IPv6, but for a good understanding of the basic TCP/IP protocols with lots of pictures to explain the text, you can't find a better book than this. It is truly outstanding!