Ray Tomlinson

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Ray Tomlinson is recognized in the source as one of the Internet pioneers who meets three out of four criteria: acknowledged by Vint Cerf and Bob Kahn in their 1974 paper "A Protocol for Packet Network Intercommunication"; received the IEEE Internet Award; and was inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame. The source specifically notes that Tomlinson is among the pioneers who meet three out of the four criteria, along with Bob Metcalfe, Donald Davies, Louis Pouzin, and Steve Crocker. Tomlinson's contributions are documented in the development of TCP. The first version of TCP, RFC 675, written in 1974 by Cerf with Yogen Dalal and Carl Sunshine, acknowledges Tomlinson by name: "The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of R. Tomlinson ... all of whose good ideas and counsel have had a beneficial effect (we hope) on this protocol design." Later, TCP version 2, published in 1977 (IEN5), authored by Cerf, states that "special acknowledgements are due to ... R. Tomlinson ... for their active participation In the design of TCP." TCP version 3, published in 1978 by Cerf and Postel, notes that "Many of the specific changes introduced in version 3 were first described by Ray Tomlinson of BBN." The preface of version 3 also lists Tomlinson among the reviewers who benefited the specification.

Reader's Guide

When exploring the history of the Internet, Ray Tomlinson stands out as a key figure in the development of TCP. In the first version (RFC 675, 1974), he is acknowledged for his contributions. In version 2 (IEN5, 1977), Cerf specifically credits Tomlinson for active participation in the design of TCP. In version 3 (1978), Cerf and Postel note that many specific changes were first described by Tomlinson, and he also served as a reviewer for that edition. Tomlinson is listed among the Internet pioneers who meet three out of four criteria: acknowledged in the 1974 Cerf and Kahn paper, recipient of the IEEE Internet Award, and inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame. The source does not provide details about his birth, death, education, or specific invention of email, but it firmly establishes his role in the early TCP development and his recognition as a pioneer. His affiliation with BBN is mentioned in the context of TCP version 3, where he is described as "Ray Tomlinson of BBN."

Did You Know?

• Ray Tomlinson is acknowledged in the first version of TCP, RFC 675, written in 1974 by Cerf with Yogen Dalal and Carl Sunshine.
• Tomlinson is one of the Internet pioneers who meets three out of four criteria: acknowledged in the 1974 Cerf and Kahn paper, received the IEEE Internet Award, and was inducted into the Internet Hall of Fame.
• In TCP version 2 (IEN5, 1977), Cerf states that Tomlinson is due special acknowledgement for active participation in the design of TCP.
• Many specific changes introduced in TCP version 3 (1978) were first described by Ray Tomlinson of BBN.
• Tomlinson served as a reviewer for TCP version 3, published in 1978 by Cerf and Postel.