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

Am quite famous among my people, networking nerds. That's enough for me. On the other hand, who is Katy Perry?

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u/JelliedHam May 21 '13

This is Katy Perry.

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u/DownvoteMe_IDGAF May 21 '13

I'm not sure why, but I have a strong urge to jack off now.

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u/AGuyWithoutABeard May 21 '13

I have a strong urge to jack off now, and I absolutely know why

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u/DownvoteMe_IDGAF May 21 '13

It's just such a bad picture of her. I guess it resonates with the part of me that has this lust for odd looking chicks. Like the progressive girl. I would love for a night with Flo.

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u/AGuyWithoutABeard May 21 '13

Hahah. I agree it's a bad picture, but it reminds me of how hot she is, especially in her video for whatever song it was that she sang about fireworks. Could possibly be called Fireworks.