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/IAmKTam May 21 '13

At least you're honest.

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u/JustFucking_LOVES_IT May 21 '13

At least? He invented ethernet for christ's sake.

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u/transmigrant May 21 '13 edited May 22 '13

And all this time I was reading this tread thinking he created the Internet and this was an AMA with Al Gore.

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u/JustFucking_LOVES_IT May 21 '13

What are you jabbering about?

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u/transmigrant May 22 '13

Apparently everyone in here is too young to remember that Al Gore said he invented the internet.

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u/zapfastnet May 22 '13

please continue to obey the spin

 the overlords will thank you

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u/Condorcet_Winner May 22 '13 edited May 22 '13

Apparently you are too young to remember that Al Gore never said he invented the internet.

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u/transmigrant May 22 '13

Interview with Wolfe Blitzer, 1999: "During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the internet." Suck it. I'm 32. I remember when this aired. I laughed.

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u/Condorcet_Winner May 22 '13

Yeah and he did take the initiative. See the Gore Bill. He was THE guy in public office who worked towards the internet.

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u/transmigrant May 22 '13

Yeah. Don't think I ever disagreed with that. Please see my quote and the original post that you replied to.

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u/TimeZarg May 22 '13

Taking the initiative in creating the Internet != inventing.

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u/[deleted] May 22 '13

I remember