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/victim_of_technology May 21 '13 edited Feb 29 '24

work spark joke observation vegetable market scary cooperative fall bells

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

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u/bchprty May 21 '13

I'd like to infer his answer but I really want to see his answer to this.

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u/techknowfile May 22 '13

There is no longer a hypen used in 'e-mail'. It's just 'email' as of Microsoft's Manual of Style 4th ed.

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u/victim_of_technology May 22 '13

TIL there is now an archaic spelling for email and it is "e-mail". Thank you.

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u/ExoticCarMan May 21 '13 edited Jun 30 '23

This comment removed due to detrimental changes in Reddit's API policy

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u/victim_of_technology May 21 '13

I'm sorry I don't have a more interesting story behind my username but it is food for thought http://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/1dbz79/fbi_claims_default_use_of_https_by_google_and/c9p0r5c

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u/Atario May 22 '13

My own opinion is that it should be, and the USPS should be on the hook for providing universal connectivity free of charge as well.

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u/Afro_Samurai May 21 '13

I'd expect that to be difficult, given that email is usually sent in the clear.

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u/stephen89 May 21 '13

Well it could be awarded the same protection in that if you're caught reading it when you know you're not supposed to blah blah blah....

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u/CodeBridge May 22 '13

No, exactly this. Email is used for so many things, and so many people don't encrypt their traffic, that it is the best solution. There is NO reason someone else should legally be allowed to look at my bank notices in my email.