The Internet under the Hood: An Introduction to Network Technologies for Information Professionals

Citation

Paul, J. (2004), "The Internet under the Hood: An Introduction to Network Technologies for Information Professionals", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 38 No. 1, pp. 80-81. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330330410523175

The title, Internet under the Hood, is most apt, as the primary objective of the book is to encapsulate the world of networking technologies, applications and its socio‐economic dimensions in a single read. In contrast with other similar titles, Robert E. Molyneux has carefully designed this book for information professionals in library, education, and business settings. Providing a clear and comprehensive introduction to network applications and concepts, the detailed yet readable guide covers LANs (local area networks), WANs (wireless area networks), the Internet, IP (Internet protocol) addresses, network operating systems, routeing, domain names, servers, file formats, and more. The title chosen assumes that the reader does not have an understanding of the technologies and issues behind computer networks and the Internet and hence a great amount of effort is taken to explain in layman’s terms the intricacies of modern networking.

The book is an up‐to‐date knowledge base of network technologies, educating the user from IBM punch cards to wireless LANs. Spanning the historical to current developments, the author gives sufficient guidance to different competing technologies and outlines the landscape of new and emerging technologies. For example, in discussing WANs, he goes into great detail as to when one would need a WAN, the likely service providers in the market and what can or cannot be done when such a network is deployed. A case study on deploying WAN in libraries is analysed, with estimated costs and savings as well as risks succinctly underlined in just six pages. Though contextualised to the US reader, the book serves all beginners by orientating them to the vocabulary and language of the networking world. Two major aspects of information technology infrastructures are discussed: communication networks and digital records. The book gives a historical preview of the development of computer networks, from centralised computing to distributed networking. The aspect of technology is carefully segmented to “layers” from the networking from the physical layer to the host‐to‐host layer. The comprehensive coverage of network technologies does compromise finer details, though these are supplemented by additional reading references appended to each chapter. Beyond networks, the more pertinent issue of digital records is thoroughly examined. From domain names to file formats on the Internet, the title is a bird’s‐eye view of key applications relevant to libraries and information centres. But these are communicated in simple words and commonplace metaphors. For example, he likens network architecture to “three floors and a basement”. Molyneux effectively bridges the common mind to the intricate aspects of technology and similarly acclimatises the beginner to technological definitions.

Many of the social aspects connected to technology are also well treated, among them the economics of the Internet (monopolies, oligopolies, and cartels); privacy; open source versus proprietary development; intellectual property; and legal issues. The balanced coverage of technology and socio‐economic dimensions attracts the most careless reader to the importance of its convergence in a networked world. He clearly maps out the concerns of information professionals in a very objective manner. For example, in treating the issue of back‐ups and storage, he defines the spectrum of views and their implications. Whilst failing to conclude, the author is a provocateur, compelling the reader to adopt a view, yet understanding its implications. Beyond the “why” questions, Robert E. Molyneux delicately manages the “should” questions in technology management. Assembling the key factors influencing the economics of informatisation and legal challenges confronting information professionals, the book challenges the reader to step out of ignorance to explore alternatives. The author has mastered the technique of “balancing the sides” and “caricaturing” complex social issues into digestible bytes.

The scope and structure of the book lend themselves to multiple uses. They serve the essential needs of those who are new to network technologies and wish to master them, while at the same time exciting the self‐styled publisher who wishes to create and publish digital records, organise, store, and disseminate information via the Internet. Both a teacher of networking technologies and the librarian would be impressed with the four labs and two case studies providing in‐depth and illustrative material to enhance the expository text. The meticulous numbering of paragraphs in every chapter makes cross‐referencing easy. Unique features include a set of probing questions at the end of each chapter. The chain of definitions in introductory chapters elucidates technical concepts in their relevant context. As a value‐add, Molyneux draws lessons and implications for professional work that most librarians would appreciate. Additional sources of information, both Web sites and printed material, appear in lists at the end of each chapter. An index and a thorough glossary conclude the book.

Overall, most of the chapters in this book are an easy read. The book serves as a quick guide to the principles involved in computer networking and the Internet and hence it is highly recommended for library education and should be a compulsory text for system librarians. It is relevant for professionals involved in managing independent resource centres that require network development activities. However, it is not recommended for investigative research on exploratory library technologies like Grid Computing or 3G applications. As a sequel to the chapter on “Catching up and keeping up”, the publisher could have made the title a “living” book by linking it to a Web site for updates and a discussion forum for the questions raised in each chapter.