Much of the handbook concerns network design and the many optimisation issues that arise. Thus linear programming figures prominently as an important optimisation method.



For the actual networks, they are now mostly optical fibers, as copper networks are being actively phased out. Cellular networks also are heavily discussed. Here, optimisation problems often involve finding optimal placements of base stations, subject to geographical and estimated traffic loads.



Various routing methods are discussed for switching packets across a network. Some of these have been used for years. Traffic load projections for future years are given. An important problem is building out sufficient capacity to handle these loads. Very nontrivial and expensive topic.