Authors: Andy Sholomon, Tom Kunath
Available from Cisco Press, list price $65.
What is this book about?
This book covers the different types of network testing, makes a case for why testing is important, and goes into several use cases of conducted tests. This is a technical book that goes into specific details of reasons for the test, protocols used, technologies leveraged, and stated conclusions.
Who should read this book?
Anyone who wants to know how or why to test their networks. The technicians who need to run the test, and the managers considering commissioning a test would be the best audience for this book. Non-technical managers, or technicians new to networking are going to be lost/bored and probably should try something less technical.
What did I like about this book?
The authors do a good job of giving you a good idea of how to conduct a test. They don’t go into the level of detail to where you could completely recreate what they have done, but they do go as far to cover model numbers, protocols, and cabling.
A big part of my current job requires me to constantly writing justifications for different IT purchases. Depending who reads them, they can be very simple, but the more technical the audience, the more difficult the sell. When your two technical experts refuse to agree, the authors have provided you a solution to the argument; run a network test and find out. The starting point for a network test is probably the most daunting part, and the book does a good job not only providing examples, but also providing different types of network tests. I also really liked how the authors worked in some of the newest concepts and gear; and specifically with the gear, did so without making it a shameless plug.
What didn’t I like about this book?
The examples provided were good, but lacked some of the detail to wholly recreate what had been accomplished. It also would have been nice to see an example of a small scale simple network test to start things off slowly, instead, the authors dove right in. I enjoyed the topics covered, but network novices need not apply.
Should you buy this book?
Absolutely! Of the books I have read and websites visited, this gave me the most clear understanding on not only how a network test should be conducted, but most importantly why one should be conducted.