This complete introduction to data communications is written to bring a fresh, readable, business-oriented perspective to the technology that lies at the heart of the booming telecommunications revolution. Providing a solid background of fundamentals to tomorrow's information systems professionals, this survey of data communications keeps a balance between the super-technical and the watered-down, providing a solid understanding not only of how things work, but how they can be applied to create business solutions. New technologies covered in this updated third edition include wireless technology, security, and the Ethernet; while maintaining the pedagogical elements that have been successful for students in the past.