| Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach — Kurose & Ross |
The standard university textbook. Readable, comprehensive. If you buy one, buy this. |
| High Performance Browser Networking — Ilya Grigorik (free: hpbn.co) |
TCP performance, TLS, HTTP/2. Excellent and modern. |
| Practical Packet Analysis — Chris Sanders |
Wireshark, for beginners, with real captures |
| TCP/IP Illustrated, Vol. 1 — Fall & Stevens |
The deep reference. Dense; dip into it. |
| Network Warrior — Gary Donahue |
Practical, real-world, opinionated. Great for switching/routing. |
| CompTIA Network+ Study Guide |
Structured coverage of everything, exam-focused |
| Wireshark Network Analysis — Laura Chappell |
The packet-analysis reference |
| 802.11 Wireless Networks — Matthew Gast |
If you go deep on wireless |
