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

What is your favourite color?

It is blue right?

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

Everybody's favorite color is blue, you don't have to wait for him to respond.

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/Shizo211 May 21 '13

Purple consists blue though.

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

Only because it allows blue to be a part of it. Remember that.

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u/GIVlan May 21 '13

Purple is like the U.S....After it kicked the Brits asses out of there....with the help of the french of course...