Lewart provides a comprehensive treatment of modems and data communications at the physical network level. The book also includes overviews of various data communications software topics, consisting of an elementary explanation followed by a detailed discussion.

Topics include an introduction to data communications; modem speeds; modulation techniques; data communications protocols; synchronous and asynchronous transmission; the RS-232-C serial interface; various aspects of modems for the personal computer; data communications software for the personal computer; a modem chip set and modem commands; specialized modems such as ISDN, cable, and cellular; testing; and expectations for the future. A CD-ROM is included that contains software for modem installation and testing and for finding Usenet newsgroups of interest to readers and displaying their characteristics.

Both the introductory material and the detailed discussions are generally well written and understandable. The preface states that the book was “written primarily for the personal computer user who would like to learn how to select and install a modem,” but is also for communications professionals. Indeed, some of the material in part 2, “Modems for the Personal Computer,” is aimed at computer users who are not communications professionals. However, most of the book is oriented toward engineers and systems designers who are new to the field of data communications and may not be understandable to personal computer users who are not computer or communications professionals. For professionals and future professionals, the book is good both for self-study and as an adjunct to a course on data communications.