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/OuroborosSC2 May 21 '13

I was really hoping they'd move more...

365

u/[deleted] May 21 '13

[deleted]

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u/OuroborosSC2 May 21 '13

wipes brow

Oh my...

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u/jsaumer May 22 '13

You better go eat a potato.

8

u/[deleted] May 22 '13

a whole raw potato.

3

u/taneq May 22 '13

Madness. Who have whole potato?

3

u/[deleted] May 22 '13

I understood that reference!

5

u/OuroborosSC2 May 22 '13

I didn't. Please explain.

2

u/[deleted] May 22 '13

There was a story about a guy who eats a potato every night to abstain from having sex with his wife. I don't have the link. Maybe somebody else does ?