Who Created Ethernet
Robert Metcalfe invented Ethernet at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center in 1973. He was working on a way to allow multiple computers to share information on the same network without interfering with each other. Metcalfe's breakthrough was creating a system that let computers take turns sending data over a shared cable.
How Ethernet Works
Ethernet uses a method called CSMA/CD, which stands for Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection. This means computers listen to the network cable before sending data to make sure no one else is using it. If two computers try to send data at the same time, they detect the collision and wait before trying again. This system allows many computers to safely share one connection.
Early Development and Specifications
The original Ethernet system that Metcalfe created could transfer data at 3 megabits per second. It used a thick coaxial cable, similar to cable television cables, to connect computers together. The system was designed to work over distances of up to 500 meters, making it practical for connecting computers in offices and buildings.
Standardization and Growth
In 1983, the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) created an official standard called 802.3, based on Metcalfe's Ethernet design. This standardization helped Ethernet become the most widely used networking technology in the world. Over time, faster versions of Ethernet were created, from 10 megabits per second to gigabit and faster speeds used today.
Impact on Computing
Ethernet became the foundation for how computers communicate in offices, schools, and homes around the world. It is still used today in modern networks, even though speeds have increased dramatically. Metcalfe's invention earned him recognition as a pioneer in computer networking and he won the National Medal of Technology for his work. 
Answer