The Six Essential Books for Network and IT Architects

Solutions Review compiles the most essential books that any network or IT architects need to add to their reading list.

Are you a network or IT architect looking to gain more knowledge in your area of expertise? Books, whether hardcover or digital, are an excellent source for people looking to learn about a specific field of technology, and network and IT architecture is no exception. We’ve listed the eight most essential books for network and IT architects that you should add to your reading list. These books are intended for beginners and experts alike and are written by authors with proficiency and/or recognition in the field of network and IT architecture.

If you’re looking for resources on network monitoring, our free Network Monitoring Buyer’s Guide has you covered. It contains profiles on the top network monitoring providers in the market today, including descriptions of the tools they offer and noteworthy features of each. The guide also features 10 questions you should ask prospective vendors and yourself before buying a network monitoring solution. You can check out that guide here!

Architecture of Network Systems

by Dimitrios Serpanos and Tilman Wolf

“Architecture of Network Systems explains the practice and methodologies that will allow you to solve a broad range of problems in system design, including problems related to security, quality of service, performance, manageability, and more. Leading researchers Dimitrios Serpanos and Tilman Wolf develop architectures for all network sub-systems, bridging the gap between operation and VLSI.”

The Art of Network Architecture

by Russ White and Denise Donohue

“Two leading enterprise network architects help you craft solutions that are fully aligned with business strategy, smoothly accommodate change, and maximize future flexibility. Russ White and Denise Donohue guide network designers in asking and answering the crucial questions that lead to elegant, high-value solutions. Carefully blending business and technical concerns, they show how to optimize all network interactions involving flow, time, and people.”

Patterns in Network Architecture: A Return to Fundamentals

by John Day

“Beginning with the seven fundamental, and still unanswered, questions identified during the ARPANET’s development, Patterns in Network Architecture returns to bedrock and traces our experience both good and bad. Along the way, [John Day] uncovers overlooked patterns in protocols that simplify design and implementation and resolves the classic conflict between connection and connectionless while retaining the best of both.”

Service Provider Networks: Design and Architecture Perspective

by Orhan Ergun

“This book will give you a High Level of overview of the Service Provider Network Design and Architecture. It talks about the unique aspects of Service Provider networks, different types of Service Providers and the business relationships between them. It covers the Service Providers services, different last mile access offerings and transport networks, and their subscribers and services.”

System Architecture: Strategy and Product Development for Complex Systems

by Edward Crawley, Bruce Cameron, and Daniel Selva

“System architecture is the study of early decision making in complex systems. This text teaches how to capture experience and analysis about early system decisions, and how to choose architectures that meet stakeholder needs, integrate easily, and evolve flexibly. With case studies written by leading practitioners, from hybrid cars to communications networks to aircraft, this text showcases the science and art of system architecture.”

Systems Architecture

by Stephen D. Burd

“Discover the most comprehensive introduction to information systems hardware and software in business today with SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE, 7E. This new edition remains an indispensable tool for your strong foundation in IS (Information Systems) as the book emphasizes a managerial, broad systems perspective that provides a holistic approach to systems architecture. Thorough updates throughout this edition ensure all concepts, examples and applications reflect the very latest new technologies.”

Solutions Review participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.

Looking for a solution to help you improve your network performance? Our Network Monitoring Buyer’s Guide contains profiles on the top network performance monitor vendors, as well as questions you should ask providers and yourself before buying.

Check us out on Twitter for the latest in Network Monitoring news and developments!