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Would it be ok to read a book written in 2002 to learn networking and TCP/IP?
Computer networks by tanenbuam

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Dani AI

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Good question. and are right that older texts are still excellent for fundamentals. A 2002-era book will teach layering, addressing, routing algorithms, error detection, and transport semantics in ways that remain true. Those concepts form the mental model you need.

Things to watch for when studying from an older edition: operational practice and surface technologies have moved on. IPv6 deployment patterns, NAT/firewall ubiquity, cloud and overlay networking, wireless standards, modern TCP congestion algorithms, and security protocols (for example TLS evolved to 1.3) are all topics worth updating after you finish the book. Historical chapters on Token Ring, X.25, or dial-up PPP are mainly of archival interest now. For IPv4 address history see the IANA allocation information and for TLS changes see the TLS 1.3 RFC RFC 8446.

Practical study tip: pair the theory with hands-on labs. Capture and inspect real packets with Wireshark while you read a chapter (wireshark.org). Build simple topologies in a network emulator (GNS3/EVE-NG) or with a few Linux VMs. Try commands like ip addr and basic tcpdump captures to reinforce concepts. Treat the 2002 book as a solid foundation, then fill gaps with up-to-date RFCs, tool documentation, and short tutorials on IPv6, modern security, and cloud networking.

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

Yes, TCP/IP v4 has not really changed in decades. You should be more than OK.

Member Avatar for rubberman

As ITG-JM said, IPv4 has been around for decades (since the 1970's and 80's). If you are concerned about IPv6, that is different. The stuff I learned about IPv4 back in the 80's is still relevant today. I still use the DDN White Book as a reference for IPv4 issues, and it was published in 1985.

Member Avatar for silvercats

Thanks everyone!

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