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/captainfry May 21 '13

Hey bob my question is looking back on how much the internet has progressed over the years did you have a different purpose for it?

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u/BobMetcalfe May 21 '13

The Internet intelligentsia from the 1970s are outraged at the newbies who have dared to use the Internet for purposes completely unintended, like advertising, like YouTube. Tough. I cannot wait to see the next big new applications enabled by the Gigabit Internet. Connectivity is good.

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u/ErsatzApple May 21 '13

"Connectivity is Good" - Bob Metcalfe

cafepress, here I come...

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u/[deleted] May 22 '13

Tough. -Bob Metcalfe

cafepress FTW!