Local Area Networks (LANs) play a larger role in our lives today than ever before. For example, LANs provide us with the capability to realize automated banking services, with instant credit checking and numerous other diverse access and manipulation services. Users and developers of LAN products must understand the architecture of the hardware and software mechanisms to effectively design and use such systems. Most gains in LAN productivity will come from future software developments in systems management and applications. This book provides an introduction to the technology associated with Local Area Networks, emphasizing software aspects which have been secondary considerations to hardware in most existing texts. The book also provides a review of the technology needed to realize full service software products, such as computer-aided design and manufacturing systems, large publication systems, and integrated data service networks, and includes an exhaustive review of the products available today.