Transport Layer for Computer Networks

This textbook provides a comprehensive exploration of the transport layer from the perspectives of computer networks and transport layer protocols, delving into the theoretical foundations and emerging application scenarios. It elucidates the principles and core mechanisms of various transport protocols, covering not only traditional IP-based protocols but also optimized implementations for future network architectures, such as MIN networks.

The textbook examines classic transport protocols like TCP and UDP alongside emerging protocols such as QUIC, with a particular focus on their applications and optimization strategies in scenarios like 5G, data center, computing power network, ICN, NDN, and MIN Network. This ensures readers gain up-to-date knowledge of transport layer technologies and their practical implications. Enriched with application examples and enterprise case studies, the book bridges theory and practice. These real-world scenarios provide readers with intuitive insights into the value and implementation of transport layer protocols in production environments, making it a more practical guide compared to purely theoretical works.

The textbook helps readers, particularly graduate and advanced undergraduate students, systematically understand the evolution of transport layer protocols, master the technical details and application scenarios of different protocols, and adapt to the new requirements of future network development. It serves as an essential learning resource for students in computer science, cybersecurity, and communications fields, as well as a valuable reference for lecturers and tutors. Additionally, the book is an important guide for network engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and related practitioners, offering insights into practical applications.

Prof. Hui Li is a professor emeritus at Peking University, and Chief Information Scientist of the International Academician Science and Technology Innovation Center. He is also a member of the National Academy of Artificial Intelligence, a member of the Expert Committee of the World Digital Technology Academy (under the guidance of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development), a fellow of IET, the chair of the IEEE Blockchain Shenzhen Branch, the director of the Technical Committee on Theoretical and Mathematical Modeling of IEEE Blockchain, and the Technology Executive Director of the Sino-EU Intelligent Connected Vehicle and Autonomous Driving Industry Innovation Alliance (SASD). He received his B.Eng. and M.S. degrees from the School of Information Eng., Tsinghua University, Beijing, China, in 1986 and 1989, respectively, and his Ph.D. degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2000.

Prof. Hui Li proposed the first co-governed sovereignty network with properties of multilateral governance, independent sovereignty, security, peace, and the rule of law. MIN is based on blockchain technology and the future network. He implemented its prototype on the Operator’s Network in the world. MIN was obtained the award of the World Leading Internet Scientific and Technological Achievements at the 2019 World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, China. In 2021, the first English monograph on the theme of “Cyberspace UN” in the world, titled “Co-governed Sovereignty Network: Legal Basis and Its Prototype and Applications with MIN Architecture”, was published by Springer Publisher. MIN was also awarded the unique Diamond Award among all Golden Awards at the 2022 British International Invention Exhibition.

Since Jan. 2023, Prof. Hui Li has been invited to deliver keynote speeches on the topic of MIN at over 100 conferences, including the 27th Annual Sci. and Tech. Meeting hosted by the Commission of Science and Technology for Development, United Nations at Geneva on April 2024, the World Internet Conference in Wuzhen on Nov.,2023, China, Digital Economy Conference, and the Web 3.0 and AI Conference hosted by IEEE, etc.