IETF

Internet Engineering Task Force

An open international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers. Its mission is centered on developing and promoting voluntary Internet standards, particularly those comprising the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP). The IETF operates in a bottom-up task creation model, primarily driven by its participants. It’s organized into several working groups managed by volunteer Internet professionals who focus on various aspects of Internet protocols and standards.

The IETF is known for its open, informal, and technical work, which relies heavily on email lists for discussion. The consensus regarding new standards is reached through discussions among interested parties. The IETF’s main goal is to improve the Internet by producing high-quality, relevant technical documents that influence how people design, use, and manage the Internet.