Rating: 
Summary: Great Reference for Technologists
Review: This book, and the accompanying CD, is a great reference for CIOs, CTOs, Engineers and Managers. I keep the CD in my laptop at all times and refer to it often to get clarity on networking topics, refresh my knowledge of a networking design issue, or just learn new things about telecommunications. Sheldon has laid out the book so you can quickly hit a topic you're interested in (or must understand for that big meeting coming up in an hour!) and review it comprehensively, or use the book as a tool to clarify a networking issue and all pertinent, associated technologies. The chapters are well-written, instructional without being boring. I haven't figured out a way to start a chapter and read it end-to-end because I keep hitting topics that I want to refer to in other parts of the book to learn more - but that's a good thing. Also, the website Sheldon is working on will help keep topics fresh as changes and advances occur.Fantastic book. If you're in the IT field and want a good, comprehensive book to help you understand end-to-end network architecture, I can't imagine a better book to buy.
Rating:
Summary: The one book that I would choose
Review: This is my first public review of a book, but this book is impressive and truly worth writing about. I was looking for a single reference that would cover a broad range of telecommunications and networking subjects, yet provide enough detail to make those subjects meaningful. My search included the reference books that I could get from my fellow workers, a public library and a technical bookstore. I looked up several test subjects. Some books had more reference headings, but none came close to the number of subjects covered in a meaningful way. For instance, by looking up QAM (which some other references didn't even have), I was given an accurate synopsis modem modulation methods (which I could validate because of my familiarity with the subject). Examining other subjects was an educational experience, as the author brought me up to date with his very readable explanations. The CD-ROM filled in where the alphabetical arrangement and in the index left off. Its search/query function was much more comprehensive than could be expected from a paper index. For instance, it found that the Cable Data Network combines QAM with forward error correction. It also was the means for looking up PSK V.22 and V.92 (other subjects related to modem modulation). Overall, I am highly pleased, both with the book and the included ROM.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource for Novice and Expert
Review: This really is "the most complete volume of networking technologies" available. Tom Sheldon's encyclopedia includes both a CD-ROM and a companion website. The companion website includes updates (e.g., errata) to the hardcopy volume as well as the entire previous edition of the encyclopedia free for download. The topics covered are comprehensive of the broad field of networking. I have found the entries to be up-to-date and error free. This is a significant feat for a 1430 page book! I intend to use this encyclopedia to help me prepare lectures for undergraduate courses. The entry on Cable and Wiring at 17 pages (plus additional pages for TIA/EIA Structured Cabling) is everything an undergraduate student needs to know about this important area. Looking at the list of covered topics, I cannot think of anything that is missing. For each topic, web sites are listed for further study. For most topics, a URL for a linktionary entry is given. Linktionary is Tom Sheldon's supporting website (which is not yet fully "up" as of October 10, 2001 - but should be "up" some time in October). This encyclopedia appears to be aimed at an IT management or high-level techie audience. There is no "code" (e.g., C program listings to demonstrate sockets) or low-level details (e.g., HTTP message formats) in the encyclopedia. However, the CD-ROM includes most key RFCs in the complete form. I rate this encyclopedia as a "must buy" for the library of a network administrator, student, or manager that needs a ready resource (even faster and certainly much more reliable than doing random google searches!) on the rapidly changing field of networks.
Rating:
Summary: A useful resource for preparing undergraduate lectures
Review: This really is "the most complete volume of networking technologies" available. Tom Sheldon's encyclopedia includes both a CD-ROM and a companion website. The companion website includes updates (e.g., errata) to the hardcopy volume as well as the entire previous edition of the encyclopedia free for download. The topics covered are comprehensive of the broad field of networking. I have found the entries to be up-to-date and error free. This is a significant feat for a 1430 page book! I intend to use this encyclopedia to help me prepare lectures for undergraduate courses. The entry on Cable and Wiring at 17 pages (plus additional pages for TIA/EIA Structured Cabling) is everything an undergraduate student needs to know about this important area. Looking at the list of covered topics, I cannot think of anything that is missing. For each topic, web sites are listed for further study. For most topics, a URL for a linktionary entry is given. Linktionary is Tom Sheldon's supporting website (which is not yet fully "up" as of October 10, 2001 - but should be "up" some time in October). This encyclopedia appears to be aimed at an IT management or high-level techie audience. There is no "code" (e.g., C program listings to demonstrate sockets) or low-level details (e.g., HTTP message formats) in the encyclopedia. However, the CD-ROM includes most key RFCs in the complete form. I rate this encyclopedia as a "must buy" for the library of a network administrator, student, or manager that needs a ready resource (even faster and certainly much more reliable than doing random google searches!) on the rapidly changing field of networks.
Rating:
Summary: A must have for any network professional
Review: Tom Sheldon can capture the core of a hard to read, multi-hundred page networking book in less than a couple of pages. Crystal clear definitions, well structured text and diagrams, plus excellent cross-references make his "Encyclopedia of Networking" a huge time saver for any networking professional. Manuel Vexler, Certified Network Engineer
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource for Novice and Expert
Review: Tom Sheldon has once again compiled a valuable resource that is second to none. In addition to each subject being written to cater to the Novice and Expert alike, Tom has also included links to a number of external sources to add to and enhance the subject at hand. This book sits on my desk and is used religiously by me and others. Thanks Tom.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Resource...A Must have for every I.T. Professional
Review: Tom Sheldon's Encyclopedia of Networking and Telecommunications is a must have for every I. T. Professional! He takes complex topics and makes the clear and understandable. He doesn't just overload you with information but what he provides is useful and to the point. I refer to this book almost every day. It is clear, concise and very well written. His content is not riddled with errors but shows that he has done his homework and knows what he is talking about. It is good advice from an one I.T. Professional to another. If you don't have it...GET IT!
Rating:
Summary: THE reference for the new Telecoms world
Review: Tom's new edition of Encyclopedia of Networking & Telecommunications is THE reference for anyone working in the new Telecoms world. With the upcoming event of 3G infrastructure planning and roll-out, this is as must have reference for anyone involved in the business. Mainly people with a traditional Telecommunications background, with need for a reference to the Networking world, all questions and doubts are cleared in this excellent book.
Good work Tom!
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