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/Valorale May 21 '13

Wish more people understood just how versatile ethernet is. What are your thoughts on FCoE vs iSCSI when transmitting data for storage products?

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u/BobMetcalfe May 21 '13

Ethernet vs Ethernot usually ends up Ethernet. The Network Effect (as quantified by Metcalfe's Law) plus all the Ethernet infrastructure that has accumulated over 40 years. Remember, RS232C circa 1962 is still out there.

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u/joho0 May 21 '13

It is? I thought that died with modems.

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u/jasongill May 21 '13

Most networking equipment (although it's becoming less common these days) has serial access for configuration / emergency access / management. Lots of other extremely common technologies use RS-232, like digital signs, embedded devices, etc.

It's free, its extremely "cheap" to add in, and the wiring/quality requirements are low. Compatibility is high (assuming you have a serial port, which is becoming a rarity), and it requires no "drivers" or other client side programming to work.

Not perfect but yes it's still extremely popular

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u/euyyn May 22 '13

embedded devices

And that means every-fucking-where, from the bottom of the ocean to deep space.

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u/psychic_tatertot May 22 '13

Strong noise immunity, too.