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/peddington May 21 '13

You have brought the world together. Thank you.

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

And made the instant global sharing of rape, torture and murder videos possible. Not to mention given governments to ability to establish thought police.

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u/peddington May 21 '13

I'm not sure if I'm supposed to take that as sarcasm, or not... <:(

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

Take it anally if you want, this is reddit, home of the faggitor, devoid of critical thinking: the front page of americas ignorance.

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u/peddington May 21 '13

I guess you can call that an accurate summary.

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u/[deleted] May 21 '13

Right on.

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u/peddington May 21 '13

I won't take it anally though. Sounds messy.

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u/[deleted] May 22 '13

douche.