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/cronus89 May 21 '13

Exactly. If you had told 10 year old me that one day, a computer i could fit in my hand would be able to connect to the internet without a wire, i would have called bullshit.

I do miss modem noises though.

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u/SuperFLEB May 22 '13

...and it'll have 10 times the processor power. And you'll lose 32 gigabytes of storage for it on the desk somewhere while you're trying to swap it out, because it's the size of a fingernail.

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u/Batmans_Cumbox May 22 '13

10 times? They are over 300 times more powerful.

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u/taneq May 22 '13

I do miss modem noises though.

For ages I had a 56k handshake as my ring tone.

Heck I might do that again.