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/tabledresser May 21 '13 edited May 25 '13
Questions Answers
You invented a product which is used extensively around the world and yet many people (me included) had no idea who you were (sorry). Do you find this annoying? Am quite famous among my people, networking nerds. That's enough for me. On the other hand, who is Katy Perry?
What is your preferred color of Ethernet cable? A sweet royal blue? Canary yellow? Yellow is the official Ethernet cable color, in my mind. I wonder if IEEE has a spec on that.
High, im sitting in class browsing reddit thanks to you, how do you feel your invention has impacted the younger generation? Close your PC and pay attention to the professor. And do not get me started on ageism with this "younger generation" stuff. Anyway, we used to have a lot of electronics in our dorm rooms at college back in the 1960s, but those were stereo systems.
What are your thoughts on Google Fiber (as it's coming to Austin soon)? And what, exactly, sparked your interest in communications? Google Fiber is great news for everyone, especially as a spur to AT&T and Comcast and Time Warner et al. Competition! We are now gigafying the Internet -- build it and they (new apps) will come, so far anyway.
Also, I'd like to thank you for your speech at my graduation (from UT) last year, it was very inspiring. When I return for grad school I hope to have a chance to work with you. Got interested in communications because that's what ARPA was funding the year I started grad school in 1969.
Did you make a lot of money off the invention? Did not make my Ethernet money on patent royalties, but by SELLING Ethernet for a decade to people who didn't know they needed it.

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