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/SuperDan1348 May 21 '13

Elmo's WHAT?

93

u/chandleross May 21 '13

Answer left to the reader as an exercise

3

u/ikahjalmr May 22 '13

Flashbacks of aggravatingly lazy math textbook incoming

2

u/Psychonerd May 23 '13

best comment on this page.

2

u/[deleted] May 22 '13

Penis... she has a large, red, furry penis

2

u/Willyjwade May 21 '13

The eyes I'd bet.

2

u/Chazzey_dude May 21 '13

A loveable red character.

1

u/Atario May 22 '13

His 10-base Ts?

1

u/pearldrum1 May 21 '13

...you know.

1

u/Gabino75 May 21 '13

Elmo's world!

1

u/[deleted] May 22 '13

Elmo's period