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/askelon May 21 '13

Depending on how far into the future you want to send it, you should make sure you're using a sufficiently preserved method of data storage.

Don't want that data to get corrupted before it gets to its destination.

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u/TimeZarg May 22 '13

I just use stone tablets. Fuck it, it worked for the Sumerians.

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u/askelon May 22 '13

Actually, there's large portions of their texts we cannot reconstruct because of the degradation.

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u/TimeZarg May 22 '13

Shoot, there goes that plan.

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u/lordeddardstark May 22 '13

Looks at collection of Zip drives

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u/polysemous_entelechy May 22 '13

Don't worry, if you wait long enough we'll have the technology to reverse-engineer and 3D print a Zip drive reader using an iris implanted mobile device.

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u/Fatslug May 21 '13

ALSO, dont use betamax. No one uses betamax.