1. David L. Mills, Internet Timekeeping Pioneer, Passes Away at 85
2. Remembering David L. Mills, the Man Behind Internet Time Accuracy.
David L. Mills, an internet pioneer known as the “Father Time” of the internet, has passed away at the age of 85. He developed and implemented the timekeeping protocol that is used by financial markets, power grids, satellites, and billions of computers to ensure they all run simultaneously. His daughter, Leigh Schnitzler, confirmed his death.
Dr. Mills was a key figure in the development of Arpanet, a network of linked computers that laid the foundation for the internet as we know it today. He recognized the need to create protocols that would enable accurate communication between devices. His focus was on time synchronization, as every machine has its own internal clock. To address this, he developed the network time protocol in 1985.
The network time protocol relies on a hierarchy of devices, with everyday servers at the bottom. These servers regularly communicate with more powerful servers, which in turn communicate with an array of timekeeping devices like atomic clocks. Based on a consensus time drawn from these core devices, the “official” time flows back down the hierarchy. Dr. Mills’s protocol also includes algorithms that correct errors to ensure accuracy.
The complexity of this process is due to factors such as varying data speeds across different cables, differences in computer speeds, and temporary data packet holds at routers. Dr. Mills’s programming skills allowed him to overcome these challenges and achieve highly synchronized time within the network.
In addition to his work on the network time protocol, Dr. Mills made significant contributions to the underlying architecture of the internet. He created the fourth version of the internet protocol in 1978, which remains the dominant version in use today. He also developed the first modern network router, which played a crucial role in the evolution of the internet.
Born on June 3, 1938, in Oakland, California, David Lennox Mills faced challenges due to glaucoma, but he persevered and went on to achieve great success. He attended the University of Michigan, where he obtained multiple degrees in engineering and computer science. He later became a professor at the University of Delaware and continued to teach and conduct research even after taking emeritus status in 2008.
Outside of his academic pursuits, Dr. Mills was an avid ham radio operator and had a passion for connecting people. His dedication to his work and his contributions to the internet will leave a lasting legacy.
David L. Mills is survived by his wife, Beverly Csizmadia, their daughter Leigh, their son Keith, and his brother Gregory. His impact on the internet and the world of technology will not be forgotten..
1. David L. Mills Internet Running on Time Dies at
2. David L. Mills Kept the Internet Running on Time.
