In 1973, Robert Metcalfe at Xerox PARC developed Ethernet, a standard for local area networks connecting computers via coaxial cable. It enabled efficient data sharing and resource pooling. Ethernet became ubiquitous in computing infrastructure, supporting collaborative tools essential for modern writing and literary communities.

The development of Ethernet networking in 1973 laid the groundwork for digital communication, influencing contemporary poetry. Poets like Ted Berrigan and Eileen Myles began to experiment with collaborative forms, reflecting the interconnectedness of modern life through their innovative use of technology.