RFC 3233 · BEST CURRENT PRACTICE · 2002

Defining the IETF

Overview

RFC 3233, “Defining the IETF”, is a Best Current Practice document published in February 2002 by P. Hoffman, S. Bradner. The canonical text is published by the RFC Editor.

Abstract

This document gives a more concrete definition of "the IETF" as it understood today. Many RFCs refer to "the IETF". Many important IETF documents speak of the IETF as if it were an already-defined entity. However, no IETF document correctly defines what the IETF is. This document specifies an Internet Best Current Practices for the Internet Community, and requests discussion and suggestions for improvements.

Abstract as published in the RFC, via rfc-editor.org.

What “Best Current Practice” means

Documents the IETF community's recommended operational or procedural practice rather than a protocol specification.

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