Whether you are preparing for a career as a business manager, computer programmer or system designer, or you simply want to be an informed home computer user, West's DATA COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTER NETWORKS, 9th Edition provides an understanding of the essential features, operations and limitations of today's computer networks. You learn about systems both on premises and in the cloud as the author balances technical concepts with practical, everyday issues. Updates address the latest developments and practices in cloud business principles and security techniques, software-defined networking, 5G, the Internet of Things, data analytics and supporting remote workforces. This edition also covers the CompTIA's Cloud Essentials+ exam to help you prepare for this vendor-neutral, business-oriented cloud computing certification. Hands-on learning features and thought-provoking content also guide you through virtual networking technologies, industry convergence and wired and wireless LAN technologies.