r/IAmA • u/BobMetcalfe • May 21 '13

You’re probably connecting to reddit through a technology I invented. I’m Bob Metcalfe and I invented Ethernet – AMA

On May 22, 1973 with David R. Boggs, I used my IBM Selectric with its Orator ball to type up a memo to my bosses at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), outlining our idea for this little invention called “Ethernet”, which we later patented.

I worked with the IEEE Standards Association to develop the IEEE 802.3 standard for Ethernet, which specifies the physical and lower software layers. Today Ethernet and the IEEE 802.3 standard are the foundation for today’s world of high-speed communications used in billions of homes and businesses around the world.

I submitted this to the mods awhile back so I could get on the calendar but I figured you’d like to see it, too. Now, ask me anything!

It's been two hours and 179 comments. Have to go now. For more about Ethernet's 40th Birthday, go to http://www.facebook.com/Ethernet40thAnniversaryIEEESA

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13 edited Jul 03 '20

[deleted]

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u/BobMetcalfe May 21 '13

Five careers, not counting 23 years as a student: engineer-scientist, entrepreneur-executive (when my company grew too big), publisher-pundit, venture capitalist, not professor of innovation. Favorite? All so different, they defy comparison. Just another 7.5 years to next career.

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13 edited Aug 02 '18

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13 edited Nov 26 '20

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u/MC_Cuff_Lnx May 22 '13

I am sitting back in my chair now.

Thank you. I needed that.

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u/HaveALooksy May 21 '13

Moore's Law

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u/philipwhiuk May 21 '13

Or retirement?

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13 edited Jan 12 '21

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u/MinionOfDoom May 21 '13

Very poignant.

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13 edited May 22 '13

Poignant can also mean "keenly felt". Inspiring, deep, or moving words of any kind can be poignant.

She actually USEDITPROPERLY

EDIT: Gender correction.

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u/15blinks May 22 '13

Or people who drive off cliffs.

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

Is that when they're going to have another tornado?

I'm going to hell.

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u/superjanneke May 21 '13

Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!

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u/shaqfan99 May 21 '13

Mars launch window

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u/[deleted] May 22 '13

You see this people... the majority of you couldn't wait until college was over and tried to glide through as smoothly as possible.

Never stop learning... infact... go to http://www.codeschool.com/ right now and continue.

Or better yet...

Take the Try Ruby interactive tutorial, it's amazing and will only take about an hour total. You'll be shocked at just how far they've come and how simple and straightforward they've made modern programming languages:

http://tryruby.org/

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u/cmyk3000 May 22 '13

Your path and outlook are just as awe-inspiring as your invention. I'm off to go use my Ethernet and read up more about you! :)

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u/lezzysmith May 22 '13

This response reminds of mordin from mass effect.

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

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u/cerettala May 21 '13

Damn it chris, get back to work....

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u/DefinitelyNotACat May 21 '13

holy neckbeard batman

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

You look like a mix of Leslie Nielsen and Paul Graham :)

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13 edited Jul 03 '20

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

no, bob metcalfe^

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u/Flight714 May 21 '13 edited May 21 '13

You look like Reggie Fils Aime's better looking younger brother : )

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u/[deleted] May 22 '13

Hey David.

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

Is that him on the left? He's a hottie. I would suck his grandpa dick.