What are RFCs

184

RFCs stands for “Request for Comments.” It is a formal document from the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) that details standards, protocols, procedures, and technologies related to the internet and computer networks.

what are requests for comments (rfcs)?

RFCs (Requests for Comments) are a series of documents used to develop and communicate standards, protocols, procedures, and technologies for the internet and computer networks. These documents are published by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and other related organizations.

Key Features of RFCs:

1. Standardization Process: RFCs serve as the foundation for creating and agreeing upon technical standards and practices used across the internet. They undergo thorough review and discussion before becoming official standards.
2. Documentation: RFCs cover a wide range of topics including internet protocols (like HTTP, IP, and TCP), network policies, system architecture, and other technical details essential for internet operations.
3. Categories:
   • Standards Track: Documents that define official internet standards and protocols.
   • Informational: Documents that provide useful information to the community but do not establish standards.
   • Experimental: Proposals for new, untested technologies or techniques.
   • Best Current Practice (BCP): Recommendations for best practices in various aspects of internet operations.
   • Historic: Former standards or protocols that are now outdated.
4. Numbering and Permanence: Each RFC is assigned a unique number upon publication. Once an RFC is published, it remains unchanged but can be updated or replaced by newer RFCs.
5. Examples:
   • RFC 791: Describes the Internet Protocol (IP), a fundamental protocol for routing data across networks.
   • RFC 2616: Defines the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP/1.1), used for transferring web pages.
   • RFC 5321: Specifies the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), used for email transmission.

How RFCs Are Created:

1. Internet-Drafts: The process begins with the creation of an Internet-Draft, a preliminary version of a document shared for community feedback and discussion.
2. Review and Revision: The draft undergoes multiple rounds of review and revision based on feedback from experts and stakeholders.
3. Publication: After thorough review, the document is published as an RFC.

RFCs are essential for the collaborative development and maintenance of the internet, ensuring compatibility and interoperability between different systems and technologies.

how many rfcs have been published

over 9,000 RFCs (Request for Comments) have been published. RFCs are a series of documents that describe the specifications, protocols, procedures, and concepts related to the internet and its functioning. They originated in 1969 and have been instrumental in shaping the development of internet standards and protocols.

The RFC series includes various types of documents, such as standards, best practices, informational documents, and experimental protocols. The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is the primary body responsible for the majority of these publications, but other organizations like the Internet Research Task Force (IRTF) and the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) also contribute to the series.

For a detailed history and a comprehensive list of RFCs, you can visit the RFC Editor website. Wikipedia <- List of RFCs.

Conclusion

The RFC (Request for Comments) series has been vital to internet development since 1969, with over 9,000 documents published as of 2024. Managed mainly by the IETF, RFCs provide the standards and protocols necessary for internet interoperability and growth. Originally informal, these documents have evolved into crucial technical references that support the ongoing advancement of internet technologies. The RFC series exemplifies the collaborative effort of the internet community to ensure a robust and innovative digital infrastructure​.

FAQs: