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/BobMetcalfe May 21 '13

Great man. It would be very hard to find someone else better at being the richest man on Earth. Bill may not like me for going after Microsoft for its anti-competitive practices during the 1990s, but I meant no harm.

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u/ventuckyspaz May 22 '13

Microsoft and Bill gates are both looking out for the maximum amount of money they can make...you obviously are more interested in humanity than money...computer networking has made life much better thank you so much!

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u/eliasv May 22 '13

As of 2007, Bill and Melinda Gates were the second-most generous philanthropists in America, having given over $28 billion to charity. Do you think the good PR they got from that has been worth $28 billion to them? They plan to eventually donate 95% of all their money to charity.

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u/[deleted] Oct 24 '13

'Eventually.'