TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1, Second Edition, is a detailed and visual guide to today's TCP/IP protocol suite.
Fully updated for the newest innovations, it demonstrates each protocol in action through realistic examples from modern Linux, Windows, and Mac OS environments.
Written by W.
Richard Stevens, this book probably provides the most comprehensive view of TCP/IP available today in print." "The diagrams he uses are excellent and his writing style is clear and readable.
Please read it (TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1) and keep it on your bookshelf."
The TCP/IP Guide is more "How does it work", TCP/IP Illustrated Volume is more about the nuts and bolts of the protocol and, is somewhat dated (though still a must have classic for your bookshelf) - particularly with it's discussion of classful addressing, a topic which the TCP/IP Guide handles masterfully.