Networks from Scratch
Learning and science
free online book
SHOW HN2022
Legend
Networks from Scratch
I'm writing a free book called Computer Networks from Scratch
networksfromscratch.com#computer networks#networking book#free textbook#ethernet basics
How HN took it
19 positive, 29 neutral or asking, 3 mixed, 13 critical, out of 64 comments about the project. Thread score +0.08.
Idea: 9 for, 5 againstDocs: 1 for, 5 againstDesign: 5 for, 0 againstExecution: 0 for, 3 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Good writing style and drawings.
From 3 comments
Wow really neat, nice work! I also love the "read on the web for free, buy a print/pdf copy" model. I rarely buy books now without being able to sample them first. I like your…
freedomben on HNLooks great, the author really isn't kidding with the "from scratch" title. The xkcd-style stick figures are particularly appreciated as a form of sugar to help the medicine go…
webmaven on HNExtremely cool, and I love the doodles. Bravo!
uncomputation on HN
Free model is appreciated.
From 2 comments
Wow really neat, nice work! I also love the "read on the web for free, buy a print/pdf copy" model. I rarely buy books now without being able to sample them first. I like your…
freedomben on HNI really like the idea of this. I look forward to reading what's finished now, as well as what will be released in the future! I have a huge gap in knowledge for so many things…
xenihn on HN
Objections
No table of contents makes navigation hard.
From 3 comments
This website needs a table of contents! The user experience of needing to click through a linked list to get to a specific chapter is very suboptimal.
AkshatM on HNI recently moved from a professional developer that didn't know how networks worked to one that gave an intro talk on HTTPS to a student group. I wish I had had a book like this…
mabbo on HNWas looking for a TOC, but quickly realized it's still in progress. Any ballpark on how many chapters there would be? Thanks and keep it up!
signaru on HN
Only three chapters so far, not finished.
From 2 comments
Just in time for my networking interview! Oh wait... There is only 3 chapters. Great work anyway :)
HenriTEL on HNWow really neat, nice work! I also love the "read on the web for free, buy a print/pdf copy" model. I rarely buy books now without being able to sample them first. I like your…
freedomben on HN
Errors in text, such as voltage values and letter numbering.
From 3 comments
Some errors: In https://www.networksfromscratch.com/2.html "Remember that when someone presses button 0 the output is set to -5v and when someone presses button 1, the output is…
kstenerud on HNThis is very interesting, thank you. I didn't get this line > As it happens, 00101 is also binary for the number 5. If you start counting at 0 (A = 0, B = 1, C = 2, and so on),…
smusamashah on HNNice work - so far this looks like a fun way to learn about how computers communicate with one another. If I'm not mistaken, it looks like there's a typo under the section…
POOWHILERUNNING on HN
Requests
Add a table of contents.
From 3 comments
I recently moved from a professional developer that didn't know how networks worked to one that gave an intro talk on HTTPS to a student group. I wish I had had a book like this…
mabbo on HNWell done. Can't wait for further chapters. I think a table of contents is warranted. Even if it just for 3 or 4 chapters.
icosahedron on HNis there a table of content somewhere?
jackallis on HN
Cover ISP-side internet topology.
From 1 comment
If you're looking for ideas on what to write about I'd love to learn more about networking on the ISP side of things. I know about routers, TCP/IP, sockets, and so on, but my…
Uptrenda on HN
Cover IoT protocols like MQTT and CoAP.
From 1 comment
The answers I get have taught me that most programmers don't have a basic understanding of how the internet works outside of their narrow specialty. I'm definitely a bit guilty…
LAC-Tech on HN
Questions
How many chapters will the book have?
From 2 comments
You're welcome! Probably somewhere between 25 and 30.
sarchertech on HNProbably somewhere in the 25-30 chapter range divided up into 3 parts.
sarchertech on HN
Will it cover the OSI model?
From 1 comment
Thanks! Yes part 2 will definitely cover the OSI model.
sarchertech on HN
Alternatives named
Peterson and Davie's Computer Networks: A Systems Approach
From 1 comment
Peterson and Davie's Computer Networks: A Systems Approach is also free: https://book.systemsapproach.org
musicale on HN
Networking: A Top-Down Approach
From 1 comment
What would set this apart from something like Networking a Top-Down Approach? I read most of it and thought it went into great detail explaining the basics to the general…
Lamad123 on HN
Ben Eater's internet video series
From 1 comment
Ben Eater has a really good video series explaining how computers "talk" to each other https://eater.net/inet
neillyons on HN