Chapter 12: Request for Comments

RFCs never change

Any change to an RFC gets a new number & becomes a new RFC. Always look for the latest RFC, because previous documents may be out of date.

RFCs that define formal standards have four stages

As an RFC moves from one stage to the next, it becomes more formal & more organizations accept it.

RFCs may originate with other organizations

IETF creates only some RFCs. Others may come from independent sources, IAB, or the Internet Research Task Force IRTF.

Only some RFCs specify standards

Only RFCs that open with phrases like " This document specifies.." or "This memo documents..." should be considered standards or normative documents.

Best Current Practice BCP

The alternative method used to document operational specifications that are not formal standards.

Standard STD

The final stage of a standard, after it has been shown to be widely adopted & deployed.

Proposed Standard PS

The initial official stage of a standard.

Draft Standard DS

The second stage of a Standard, after participants have demonstrated that the Standard has been deployed in working environments.