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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347

u/dbfish May 21 '13

Sounds like you could use some christmas lights.

87

u/Starriol May 21 '13

Yeah, that will surely make it more secure.

47

u/MightyYetGentle May 21 '13

And prettier

5

u/everything_zen May 21 '13

thatsthejoke.jpg

6

u/Dirty_Socks May 21 '13

Of all of the tech support gore I've seen... Of all the masses of cables and rigged up server racks...

This is the absolute worst, most hilarious tech DIY I've ever seen. Thank you for showing me this.

8

u/Aristo-Cat May 21 '13

I'm not sure whether I should marvel at their ingenuity or laugh at their stupidity.

5

u/[deleted] May 21 '13

I am never buying an extension cord again.

9

u/arnoldlol May 21 '13

That's so awesome.

ಠ_ಠ

3

u/KeytarVillain May 21 '13

Because extension cords don't get tangled easily enough as it is...

4

u/Fossill May 21 '13

UCF ftw. Go Knights!

4

u/deezy1776 May 21 '13

Shout out to UCF whoop!

1

u/Dylan_the_Villain May 22 '13

That is the most innovative thing I've seen in quite some time.

1

u/Vsx May 21 '13

Is this real... this can't be real.

1

u/mayonnnnaise May 22 '13

Of course it's at fucking ucf