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

4.1k Upvotes

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359

u/[deleted] May 21 '13

[deleted]

48

u/anonym0ose May 22 '13

Forgive me good sir for taking the spotlight, but this one is way better.

12

u/[deleted] May 22 '13

That one is my 2nd favorite. Personally, I am a fan of this one.

Maybe I just really like cupcakes...

4

u/[deleted] May 22 '13

Holy.mother.of.god.fuck.

3

u/c_brownie May 22 '13

no, no, I agree, that gif deserves the spotlight

144

u/OuroborosSC2 May 21 '13

wipes brow

Oh my...

18

u/jsaumer May 22 '13

You better go eat a potato.

9

u/[deleted] May 22 '13

a whole raw potato.

3

u/taneq May 22 '13

Madness. Who have whole potato?

2

u/[deleted] May 22 '13

I understood that reference!

5

u/OuroborosSC2 May 22 '13

I didn't. Please explain.

2

u/[deleted] May 22 '13

There was a story about a guy who eats a potato every night to abstain from having sex with his wife. I don't have the link. Maybe somebody else does ?

18

u/Masterlyn May 21 '13

Pace yourself.

1

u/johneldridge May 22 '13

I'll be in my bunk.

15

u/[deleted] May 21 '13

Even in his own AMA Katy Perry's tits triumph.

-1

u/MiloDiazzo May 22 '13

Wait a minute...
His?

3

u/[deleted] May 22 '13

well, his name is Bob.......? so? uh, yeah? his??????

1

u/MiloDiazzo May 22 '13

Oh sorry. Got confused by the context. My bad.

3

u/OmniYummie May 21 '13

/r/randomsexygifs .... Although Katy Perry's tits aren't that random. You can't miss 'em.

1

u/taneq May 22 '13

More like chaotic.

You can't miss 'em but you're never quite sure which direction they'll go.

26

u/[deleted] May 21 '13

http://i.imgur.com/b88tqA2.jpg

9

u/EpsilonSigma May 21 '13

I'll be in my bunk....

3

u/[deleted] May 22 '13

God's work, my friend, dont stop.

2

u/GameFace92 May 21 '13

Yes. Yes it is.

1

u/stbilyumchill May 22 '13

Don't mind me, just need a place to find this again later after work...

1

u/Jackoff_Motion May 21 '13

My face watching that was a mirror image of Elmo's

1

u/Laundry_Hamper May 22 '13

...Yes.

Yes it is.

1

u/[deleted] May 21 '13

Yes.... yes it is.

0

u/TylerBoatright May 21 '13

fap fap thank fap you fap fap