The author discusses the 50th anniversary of Ethernet, highlighting the impactful work of computer scientists Robert Metcalfe and David Boggs. During the 1980s, various LAN technologies competed, including token ring and token bus. A potential solution to Ethernet’s limited performance emerged in the form of a learning bridge, developed by an engineer named Mark. The bridge allowed for store-and-forward switching between existing CSMA/CD Ethernets, increasing capacity and reducing collisions. Mark’s invention revolutionized Ethernet, leading to the development of faster and more efficient switches. Despite controversy, Layer 2 switching became widely adopted, contributing to Ethernet’s longevity and success. Mark’s innovation is credited with saving Ethernet from potential decline.
https://spectrum.ieee.org/how-dec-engineers-saved-ethernet