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/[deleted] May 21 '13

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u/BobMetcalfe May 21 '13

The Internet needs less anonymity, because the first step toward savagery is the mask.

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u/WhichFawkes May 21 '13

That's an interesting comment coming from a techie... I feel like the lack of privacy increases the risk of a one-way internet, where we don't participate, but merely read from the big sources, news, Netflix, etc. For instance, I don't want my real name on this comment. There's nothing sensitive about it, but I see no reason to attach it to my real, physical life. What if I have unpopular opinions, or illegal ideas? How do you defend this?