WHY ETHERNET IS CALLED ETHER?

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Question by QAMI
Submitted on 9/28/2003
Related FAQ: comp.dcom.lans.ethernet FAQ
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WHY ETHERNET IS CALLED ETHER?

Answer by mr_gulible
Submitted on 10/9/2003
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Metcalfe'sfirst experimental network was called the Alto Aloha Network. In 1973 Metcalfe changed the name to "Ethernet," to make it clear that the system could support any computer--not just Altos--and to point out that his new network mechanisms had evolved well beyond the Aloha system. He chose to base the name on the word "ether" as a way of describing an essential feature of the system: the physical medium (i.e., a cable) carries bits to all stations, much the same way that the old "luminiferous ether" was once thought to propagate electromagnetic waves through space. Thus, Ethernet was born.”

Answer by photon720
Submitted on 4/16/2004
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I believe Metcalf named the system, ethernet, because he liked Douglas Adams's book, The Hitchhikers Guide series. A very popular book at the time with some strange concepts. In the book Adams referred to time travel in the sub-ether.To travel as fast as light means being at all points in this universe at the same time.Time travel is in the sub-ether.

Answer by Maria G
Submitted on 11/9/2006
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the two computers that Metcalfe and 3 others were working on were two of the Altos Xerox had developed to be the first PCs. They named them Michelson and Morley, they were 2 scientists would disproved the popular theory that the atmosphere was filled with an invisible ether.The combined this with network and called it Ethernet.

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