Book: Open Networks

This coursebook explores the different aspects of open technologies that are at the foundations of modern computer networks. The Internet is built on top of open protocols and open standards.

"Open" in this context means the opposite of "private". Private networks are those which belong to companies or institutions who impose restrictions on users who join them. Open networks do not belong to anybody because the devices they use are made available by the members of the community.

Communities are enabled by open network design and innovation emerges. That is the foundation of P2P production and distribution models, IP telephony and multimedia streaming technologies.

Evolution of this book

The FTA has reused existing course materials from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC). The first version of this course book was published in 2004 for the Master Programme in Free software of the UOC.
In 2009, this material has been improved by the Free Technology Academy. Additionally the FTA has developed a study guide and learning activities which are available for learners enrolled in the FTA Campus.

Feedback and comments

Keeping course books up-to-date and improving them can be a time-consuming effort. Users of FTA learning materials are encouraged to provide feedback and make suggestions for improvement. We are currently testing the "annotation tool" which allows you to highlight any part of the PDF document and add your comments. You can register freely and then get to the course book of Open Networks. Your comments and contributions are more than welcome. These inputs will be taken into account for next versions.

Moreover, the FTA welcomes anyone to use and distribute this material as well as to make new versions and translations.