1946-

American computer engineer who invented the Ethernet system of transmitting data from one computer to another. Ethernet helped make Local Area Networks (LANs) possible by providing simple, high-speed data connections to transmit and share data and e-mail. Ethernet was invented in 1973 and, a few years later, Metcalfe founded the 3Com company, an early leader in Ethernet technology. Metcalfe was awarded the IEEE Medal of Honor in 1996 for his contributions in this field.