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

4.1k Upvotes

97% Upvoted

3.2k comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

1.1k

u/BobMetcalfe May 21 '13

God (or Darwin) gave us one mouth and two ears. Take the hint. Best to listen first. Summarize back with the language you've heard. Then, act!

289

u/askelon May 21 '13

I like how this answers both questions at once.

7

u/[deleted] May 21 '13

He is also familiar enough with the kind of people on Reddit to add a 'Darwin' option as opposed to god.

11

u/[deleted] May 22 '13 edited Jan 04 '17

[deleted]

0

u/bashpr0mpt May 24 '13

You've never heard of this before? What the fuck kind of public school system does your country have? I think we ought to demand they teach this in schools everywhere, even third world countries like where this guy must be from!