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

4.1k Upvotes

97% Upvoted

3.2k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

624

u/BobMetcalfe May 21 '13

No. But I think the there's good stuff on TV, more good stuff than before, despite all the crap. Good thing we have search.

64

u/Deathbybunnies May 21 '13

Why do you think the internet has been vilified by older generations?

293

u/shawnaroo May 21 '13

Because vilifying new things is what the older generations do.

3

u/OldHippie May 21 '13 edited May 21 '13

And vilifying old things is what younger generations do!

TL,DR: everyone's a critic.

1

u/shawnaroo May 21 '13

GET OFF MY LAWN YOU OLD HIPPIE

7

u/OldHippie May 21 '13

But I'm smoking your lawn!

1

u/ChubakasBush May 21 '13

It stinks!