The standard documents produced by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) are primarily known as RFCs.
Understanding RFCs: Request For Comments
As indicated by the reference, the standard documents published by the IETF are called RFCs. This acronym stands for Request For Comments. These documents are fundamental to the operation and evolution of the internet.
RFCs serve as the technical specifications and reports that describe the behavior, methods, research, or innovations applicable to the working of the internet and internet-connected systems. They cover a vast range of topics, from core protocols like TCP/IP to application-layer protocols like HTTP and SMTP, security mechanisms, and even informational memos.
What do RFCs Describe?
- Protocols: The rules and formats for data transmission (e.g., HTTP for web browsing, SMTP for email).
- Procedures: Guidelines for network management and operation.
- Concepts: Foundational ideas and architectural principles of the internet.
- Informational Notes: Historical context, best practices, or experimental results.
The Lifecycle of an RFC
While "Request For Comments" might suggest they are always drafts, many RFCs progress through a standardization track and become official internet standards. The process involves extensive review and consensus-building within the IETF working groups.
Here's a simplified view:
- A proposal is submitted.
- Discussion and refinement occur within an IETF Working Group.
- The document is published as an RFC (initially often as a "Proposed Standard").
- Based on implementation experience and further review, it may advance to "Draft Standard" and eventually "Internet Standard" (although few reach this highest status).
- Older RFCs can be obsoleted or updated by newer ones.
| Term | Full Name | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| RFC | Request For Comments | The general name for all documents published in the series. |
| IETF | Internet Engineering Task Force | The organization that produces many RFCs, particularly standards. |
Why are RFCs Important?
RFCs provide the detailed technical specifications that enable different hardware and software implementations to interoperate across the global internet. They are the bedrock of internet compatibility and innovation. Without these clearly defined standards, building a connected world would be vastly more complex, if not impossible.
Examples of critical internet technologies defined in RFCs include:
- The structure of email messages
- How web pages are requested and delivered
- How domain names (like google.com) are translated into IP addresses
In summary, when you hear about IETF standards, you are almost certainly talking about RFCs.
