"Designing the Total Area Network tackles the many issues surrounding one of the most important assets in any company: its network. Modern networks need to be fast and effective to meet an ever-increasing demand for more information and faster communication. This text offers a clear and concise presentation of the key issues for those involved in the purchase, management, planning and implementation of communication networks. It provides the broad technical understanding required to ask the right questions, set viable plans and avoid expensive investment and deployment mistakes." "Essential reference for network designers. Recommended reading for students in computer science, electrical & electronic engineering and telecommunications courses."--BOOK JACKET.