Request for consultation

Thanks for your request. You’ll soon be chatting with a consultant to get the answers you need.
Your form is submitting...
{{formPostErrorMessage.message}} [{{formPostErrorMessage.code}}]
Email Address is required. 'Email Address' must contain at least 0 characters 'Email Address' cannot exceed 0 characters Please enter a valid Email Address
First Name is required. 'First Name' must contain at least 0 characters 'First Name' cannot exceed 0 characters Please enter a valid First Name
Last Name is required. 'Last Name' must contain at least 0 characters 'Last Name' cannot exceed 0 characters Please enter a valid Last Name
Institution is required.
Discipline is required.
Country is required. 'Country' must contain at least 0 characters 'Country' cannot exceed 0 characters Please enter a valid Country
Cengage, at your service! How can we best meet your needs? is required.
Why are you contacting us today? is required. 'Why are you contacting us today?' must contain at least 0 characters 'Why are you contacting us today?' cannot exceed 0 characters Please enter a valid Why are you contacting us today?
New!

Guide to Networking Essentials, 9th Edition

Greg Tomsho

  • Copyright 2026
  • {{checkPublicationMessage('Published', '2025-06-29T00:00:00+0000')}}
Starting At £51.50 See pricing and ISBN options
Instructor Next Steps
Students: Buy now
Guide to Networking Essentials 9th Edition by Greg Tomsho
Quick Navigation

Overview

Introduce working with network infrastructure and network operating systems in small- to medium-sized networks with Tomsho’s “Guide to Networking Essentials” 9th Edition. The text focuses on computer networking technologies and troubleshooting, delving into network protocols and devices, including wireless and cybersecurity technologies. Challenge Labs and Hands-On Projects offer immersive hands-on experiences and engage students in practical application with all-new, self-grading Packet Tracer labs without the hassle of complex lab setup. Stay current with the latest networking technologies and operating systems, including new Ethernet and Wi-Fi standards. Help students gain an edge with the addition of certification mapping to the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST): Networking 100-150 exam to master configuring, troubleshooting and supporting networks with confidence.

{{readMore['overview'] ? 'Read More' : 'Read Less'}}

Meet the Authors

{{collapseContainerClosed['meet-the-author'] ? 'Show More' : 'Show Less'}}

Greg Tomsho

Greg Tomsho is director of the computer networking/cybersecurity department and Cisco Academy at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. He has earned the CCNA, MCTS, MCSA, A+, Network+, Security+, Server+ and Linux+ certifications. A former software engineer, technical support manager and IT director, he has more than 30 years of computer and networking experience. He is the author of numerous other leading books, including GUIDE TO NETWORKING ESSENTIALS; MCSA GUIDE TO INSTALLATION, STORAGE, AND COMPUTE WITH WINDOWS SERVER 2016; MCSA GUIDE TO NETWORKING WITH WINDOWS SERVER 2016; MCSA GUIDE TO IDENTITY WITH WINDOWS SERVER 2016; MCSA GUIDE TO INSTALLING AND CONFIGURING MICROSOFT WINDOWS SERVER 2012/R2; MCSA GUIDE TO ADMINISTERING MICROSOFT WINDOWS SERVER 2012/R2; MCSA GUIDE TO CONFIGURING ADVANCED MICROSOFT WINDOWS SERVER 2012/R2 SERVICES; MCTS GUIDE TO WINDOWS SERVER 2008 ACTIVE DIRECTORY CONFIGURATION; MCTS GUIDE TO MICROSOFT WINDOWS SERVER 2008 APPLICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE CONFIGURATION; GUIDE TO NETWORK SUPPORT AND TROUBLESHOOTING; and A+ COURSEPREP EXAMGUIDE.

What's New

{{collapseContainerClosed['whats-new'] ? 'Show More' : 'Show Less'}}
  • New Packet Tracer virtual labs are self-contained (lab instructions are in the Packet Tracer lab file) and self-grading.
  • Updated protocols, powered by the latest Ethernet and Wi-Fi standards, keep learners at the forefront of technological advancements.
  • The text aligns to the objectives of the Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST): Networking 100-150 certification exam complemented by a detailed mapping in the Appendix.
  • Written to prioritize teaching and learning, the text seamlessly addresses CCST Networking exam objectives transcending traditional certification study guides.

Features

{{collapseContainerClosed['features'] ? 'Show More' : 'Show Less'}}
  • The text focuses on troubleshooting so students are prepared for professional challenges faced in the industry.
  • Extensive learning tools such as self-check questions, chapter summaries, review questions and key terms allow students to practice skills as they learn.
  • Coverage of the latest operating systems in addition to advances in software, wireless and security is up-to-date.
  • Application opportunities like Hands-On Activities, Case Projects and Challenge Labs train students to use networking technology on the job.

Table of Contents

{{collapseContainerClosed['table-of-contents'] ? 'Show More' : 'Show Less'}}
1. Introduction to Computer Networks.
2. Network Hardware Essentials.
3. Network Topologies and Technologies.
4. Network Media.
5. Network Protocols.
6. IP Addressing.
7. Network Reference Models and Standards.
8. Network Hardware in Depth.
9. Introduction to Network Security.
10. Wide Area Networking and Cloud Computing.
11. Operating Systems and Virtualization.
12. Network Management and Administration.
13. The Internet of Things (IoT).
14. Troubleshooting and Support.

Compare Buying Options

{{collapseContainerClosed['compare-buying-options'] ? 'Show More' : 'Show Less'}}

MindTap Options

{{collapseContainerClosed['detail_1'] ? 'Show More' : 'Show Less'}}
MindTap
Each MindTap product offers the full, mobile-ready textbook combined with superior and proven learning tools at one affordable price. Students who purchase digital access can add a print option at any time when a print option is available for their course.

This Cengage solution can be seamlessly integrated into most Learning Management Systems (Blackboard, Brightspace by D2L, Canvas, Moodle, and more) but does require a different ISBN for access codes. Please work with your Cengage Learning Consultant to ensure the proper course set up and ordering information. For additional information, please visit the LMS Integration site.

Standalone Digital Access — Ultimate Value

Recommended and most popular

  • ISBN-10: 821459796X
  • ISBN-13: 9798214597966
  • RETAIL £116.00
Instructor Next Steps
Students: Buy now

Textbook Only Options

Traditional eBook and Print Options

{{collapseContainerClosed['detail_0'] ? 'Show More' : 'Show Less'}}

  • ISBN-10: 8214012775
  • ISBN-13: 9798214012773
  • RETAIL £51.50

  • ISBN-10: 821401266X
  • ISBN-13: 9798214012667
  • RETAIL £82.99
Instructor Next Steps
Students: Buy now

Supplements

{{collapseContainerClosed['supplements'] ? 'Show More' : 'Show Less'}}

Cengage provides a range of supplements that are updated in coordination with the main title selection. For more information about these supplements, contact your Learning Consultant.

FOR STUDENTS

International MindTap Instant Access for Tomsho's Guide to Networking Essentials

ISBN: 9798214597966
International MindTap Instant Access for Tomsho's Guide to Networking Essentials, is the digital learning solution that powers students from memorization to mastery. It gives you complete control of your course--to provide engaging content, to challenge every individual, and to build their confidence. Empower students to accelerate their progress with MindTap. MindTap: Powered by You. MindTap gives you complete ownership of your content and learning experience. Customize the interactive syllabi, emphasize the most important topics and add your own material or notes in the ebook. All online text media materials accessible through this access code are available in EMEA, Latin America, Asia, and India only.