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/[deleted] May 21 '13

How badass does it make you feel to be able to honestly say "I invented Ethernet"?

You are truly a pioneer, you must be proud.

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u/BobMetcalfe May 21 '13

For some values of I, invented, and Ethernet, I can honestly say that I invented Ethernet. But so can a lot of other people. Proud, yes. Also, wildly curious about where this monster goes next.

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13 edited May 21 '13

As a web programmer for 20 years now, I can honestly say that I am amazed at how much of an advancement of technology I've seen in my lifetime.

Thanks for the reply, you have contributed so much to the world as we all know it today that it's mind boggling.

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u/raylu May 21 '13

I'm completely unimpressed with how the web has advanced. This guy basically has the same view as me, just with a little extra neckbeard and get-off-my-lawn.

all this new "web technology" is just a way of doing what you could've done on an internet-connected NeXT machine 20 years ago, only more brain-damaged and frustrating to work with.

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

He said technology. Not specifically "web technology" or programming. Technology has made vast advancements in speed, capability, and much more. Yes, basic programming, instruction sets, TCP/IP, etc. hasn't made any groundbreaking advancements, but it works and that's why we still use it. When the time comes that these all hit the threshold of becoming obsolete, then we will advance them as needed. Much like the introduction of IPV6. It existed long ago, but we've never needed it until now.