Introduction to Networking Basics

Patrick Ciccarelli, CCNP, CCDP, MCSE, and M.A. in Instructional Technology, is the founder and CEO of Nethos, a San Francisco network consulting company. Patrick is a former regional instructor for the Cisco Networking Academy, an international program that prepares individuals for a career in networking. Patrick is also co-author of MCSE 2002 JumpStart: Computer and Network Basics and CCDP: Cisco Internetwork Design Exam Notes, both from Sybex.

Christina Faulkner has nearly 20 years of experience as an educator. With Patrick, she was one of the first regional instructors for the Cisco Networking Academy. She is currently the Technology Coordinator for the Hayward Unified School District.

Jerry FitzGerald is the principal in Jerry FitzGerald & Associates, which he started in 1977. While at this firm, he has gained valuable experience in risk analysis, computer security, audit and control of computerized systems, data communications, networks, and systems analysis. He received his Ph.D. in business economics and master's degree in business economics from the Claremont Graduate School, an MBA from the University of Santa Clara, and a B.A. in industrial engineering from Michigan State University.

Alan Dennis is an Associate Professor of Management Information Systems in the Terry College of Business at The University of Georgia. He received his Ph.D. in management information systems from the University of Arizona, an MBA from Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, and a B.A. in computer science from Arcadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada. While publishing more than 80 business and research articles, he also gained extensive experience in the development and application of groupware and Internet technologies.

David Groth, A+, Network+, Server+, Security+, MCSE, CNI, is a full-time author and consultant. He is the author of many of Sybex's bestselling certification study guides as well as Cabling: The Complete Guide to Network Wiring. Toby Skandier, A+, Network+, i-Net+, Server+, is a technical education developer for Embarq. He has coauthored numerous books for Sybex, including the bestselling CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide and Network+ Study Guide.

Frank Miller has nearly 30 years experience designing, developing, and delivering technical training materials. For 20 of those years, SQL language database management systems have been an area of special interest and expertise. During that time he has written books and other training materials that are used by various schools and professional organizations in the United States and around the world.