Reddit mentions of Network Algorithmics,: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Designing Fast Networked Devices (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Networking)

Network Algorithmics

BGP Design and Implementation. I brought this on a boat, had drank two very, very large margaritas, and dropped it in the ocean. Re-ordered from Amazon before the boat returned to dock.

Internet Routing Architectures

Now here's the thing to keep in mind: it was 13 years ago when I started getting serious about networking. I'm sure if I was starting now I'd have read/bought probably a third less books, and probably a few different ones. My mantra has always been trying to really understand the foundations of protocols -- a very, very strong mental model. I'd say out of those books up there, Network Algorithmics was the most mentally invigorating. There's another Cisco Press book that goes over IOS and the GSR internals that's also a wonderful (if now a bit outdated) read.

For knowledge on how routers/switches are designed, Network Algorithmics by George Varghese is great.

A truly hidden gem: Patterns in Network Architecture by John Day is fantastic.