The 8th Edition of the popular Computer Networking: A Top Down Approach builds on the authors’ long tradition of teaching this complex subject through a layered approach in a “top-down manner.” The text works its way from the application layer down toward the physical layer, motivating students by exposing them to important concepts early in their study of networking. Focusing on the Internet and the fundamentally important issues of networking, this text provides an excellent foundation for students in computer science and electrical engineering, without requiring extensive knowledge of programming or mathematics. The 8th Edition has been updated to reflect the most important and exciting recent advances in networking, including software-defined networking (SDN) and the rapid adoption of 4G/5G networks and the mobile applications they enable. \nFeatures \nA balanced presentation focuses on the Internet as a specific motivating example of a network and also introduces students to protocols in a more theoretical context. \nUPDATED - Expanded and significantly updated coverage reflects the swift rise in importance of software-defined networking (SDN) and the rapid adoption of 4G/5G networks and the mobile applications they enable — arguably the most important and exciting advances in networking in decades. \nPrinciples and Practice boxes throughout demonstrate real-world applications of the principles studied. \nCase History boxes help tell the story of the history and development of computer networking. \nMaterial on application programming development is included, along with numerous programming assignments.