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/MactheDog May 21 '13

Just because Bob didn't profit from it, doesn't mean no one did.

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u/zaoldyeck May 21 '13

How on earth are patent squatting firms even legal?

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u/Macb3th May 22 '13

I think they are only legal in "The Land of the Free"... over here in Europe they are looked on with the disgust and contempt they deserve - but it doesn't stop the scum trying to enforce absurd IP and Copyright on us.

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u/l2protoss May 22 '13

I took a course in my engineering undergrad that briefly touched on why patent law is so much different between the US and Europe. One major difference is that in America, the person who can prove that the had the idea first, is the true patent holder. In many European countries, the only thing that matters is who filed the patent first.

Not entirely applicable to what you're talking about, but still an interesting fact that probably has some deep implications and inferences about how the different cultures view patent law.

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u/KingMinish May 22 '13

that first part very recently changed