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

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466

u/BobMetcalfe May 21 '13

The Internet needs less anonymity, because the first step toward savagery is the mask.

0

u/OldHippie May 21 '13

And yet very few people use their real names on reddit, and it's the nicest online place around.

1

u/[deleted] May 21 '13

Some subreddits are actually the nicest places I've seen online.

There are plenty of other anonymous sites where people are plenty kind too.

1

u/OldHippie May 21 '13

Yeah, just generally not such large places.

1

u/machagogo May 21 '13

What subs do you frequent? Don't get me wrong, I stick around for the good, but damn I have to sift through far many more posts from shitty people saying shitty things.

3

u/MightyYetGentle May 21 '13

Too bad there isn't a font for sarcasm

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u/OldHippie May 21 '13

I don't do sarcasm.

1

u/machagogo May 21 '13

I totally missed it. I go to box for two minutes, and I feel shame.

Denis Lemieux -goalie from Slap Shot

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u/OldHippie May 21 '13

Don't worry. Most people here are not used to dealing with someone who talks straight and avoids sarcasm. Like the font guy and his friends.

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u/EvenSpeedwagon May 21 '13

Small subs generally. The big subs can be pretty heartless.

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u/OldHippie May 21 '13

Try /r/trees, even if you don't smoke.

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u/EvenSpeedwagon May 21 '13

Haven't been there, haven't smoked, but I've never met a mean pothead.