Radia Perlman
Engineer whose algorithm keeps computer networks running smoothly.
Their Story
Radia Perlman is a computer scientist sometimes called the 'mother of the internet.' She invented the spanning tree protocol, which helps data find good paths through a network without getting stuck in loops. Her work made large, reliable computer networks possible.
Era
1900s
Field
Computer Networking
Radia Perlman
Engineer whose algorithm keeps computer networks running smoothly.
Technology · Computer Networking · 1900s · Women in STEM
Their Story
Radia Perlman is a computer scientist sometimes called the 'mother of the internet.' She invented the spanning tree protocol, which helps data find good paths through a network without getting stuck in loops. Her work made large, reliable computer networks possible.
Key Innovation
Invented the spanning tree protocol that helps network data travel efficiently without looping.
Why It Matters Today
Her algorithm helps the school and home networks students use stay fast and reliable.
Learn More
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radia_Perlman
Wilkinson STEM Education Foundation · 251 American Innovators · wilkinsonstemfoundation.org
