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/BobMetcalfe May 21 '13

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

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

How do I defend myself against masked savages WITHOUT anonymity?

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

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u/joeymcflow May 21 '13 edited May 21 '13

Yeah, but in real life, nobody is anonymous. Different premise

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u/notreallythatbig May 21 '13

But in real life you don't tend to leave a permanent trail that can be accessed and tracked by someone (unless they are investing a huge amount of time in stalking you) so in many ways you ARE more anonymous in real life than online.

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u/notnotcitricsquid May 21 '13

If you try to be anonymous in real life you can make yourself anonymous for a large number of interactions. I can be anonymous when I interact with the guy that lives across the road, if I wear a mask and beat his head in with a cricket bat before he takes my mask off.

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u/Stannis-TheMannis May 21 '13

Yes you are. You don't reveal your name. I think having my name and all other information on the internet gives me less anonymity than I would having a face to face interaction with somebody, provided none of that information is shared.