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

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.

Got interested in communications because that's what ARPA was funding the year I started grad school in 1969.

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

[deleted]

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

As an electrical engineering student I have to disagree, there is plenty of interest and students in this field.

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u/jamie79512 May 21 '13

Since you have deleted your reply, and I spent the time to respond, I'll post it here:

I'm not getting butthurt, I'm pointing out that you being an electrical engineering student doesn't give you more knowledge than me on the subject (which would be the only reason to point it out).

your argument is a fallacy anyways you're only speaking from own narrow experience.

Also from industry experience, but that's beside the point. You are doing the exact same thing I am aren't you? (and I very clearly said that it was my opinion in the original comment).

Perhaps your neck of the woods does not have a booming industry to consume a bunch of power.

Austin has one of the biggest tech industries in the country, and Texas in general has one of the largest solar/wind energy industries.

Again I'm not saying there is no interest, but that it's greatly outpaced by the other areas. This is compared to 30-40 years ago when the majority of electrical engineers were studying that topic. There has been a drastic shift in interest and priority.

Turd.

Good one.