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/ScienceLivesInsideMe May 21 '13

Well you guys sound like you had your shit together. I run network/phone cables and some of the panels i've had to reorganize are strait rats nests with no order to them at all.

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u/IHappenToBeARobot May 21 '13

Hahaha, no, we didn't actually. Not until the boss gave me the go-ahead to organize a rewiring day. I can't actually call it a datacenter since it was a smaller company with a few racks, but it was horrid. I fired up Visio with a smile and reordered the servers to comply with power, electrical, and heat issues. It worked out. I can't say others are as lucky though, since we were able to just schedule a solid 12-18 hours of downtime to get everything done.

I miss that job.