RFC: Documents that Describe Internet Specifications and Protocols

RFC (Request for Comments) documents provide comprehensive specifications, guidelines, methodologies, and protocols for Internet technologies and are instrumental in the development and standardization of the web.

Introduction

RFC, or Request for Comments, are a series of documents that articulate the specifications, guidelines, methodologies, and protocols relevant to the Internet. Originating in the early development phases of the Internet, RFCs play a vital role in the standardization and evolution of web technologies.

Historical Context

The concept of RFCs was introduced by Steve Crocker in 1969 during the early days of ARPANET, the precursor to the modern Internet. Initially, these documents served as informal notes for sharing ideas and information amongst ARPANET researchers. The first RFC, titled “Host Software,” was published on April 7, 1969. RFCs have since evolved into formal documents that undergo rigorous peer review and standardization processes.

Types/Categories

• Standards Track RFCs:

  • Aim to create Internet standards.
  • Undergo stages such as Proposed Standard, Draft Standard, and Internet Standard.

• Informational RFCs:

  • Provide general information about topics related to the Internet.
  • Not meant to evolve into standards.

• Experimental RFCs:

  • Document experimental protocols or procedures.
  • Are not intended to become Internet standards.

• Best Current Practice (BCP) RFCs:

  • Capture operational and technical guidelines deemed best practices.

• Historic RFCs:

  • Formerly standard-track but now obsolete.

Key Events

• 1969: Publication of RFC 1 by Steve Crocker.
• 1983: Transition of ARPANET protocols to the TCP/IP suite, formalized in various RFCs.
• 1992: Formation of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), which now supervises RFC publication.

Detailed Explanations

RFCs are authored by individuals or groups and submitted for community review. The RFC Editor, under the oversight of the IETF, manages the publication. The lifecycle of a standard track RFC involves multiple stages:

Proposed Standard

The document is reviewed, commented on, and revised multiple times. If approved, it moves to the next stage.

Draft Standard

Subject to further testing and interoperability evaluations.

Internet Standard

After rigorous testing and widespread adoption, the document is deemed stable and robust enough to be a formal Internet standard.

Mathematical Models and Protocols

Various Internet protocols defined in RFCs involve mathematical and logical models. An example is TCP congestion control, formalized in RFC 793 and refined in subsequent RFCs.

Mermaid Diagram Example

    graph LR
	  A[RFC Submission]
	  B[Community Review]
	  C[Proposed Standard]
	  D[Draft Standard]
	  E[Internet Standard]
	
	  A --> B
	  B --> C
	  C --> D
	  D --> E

Importance and Applicability

RFCs are critical for ensuring the interoperable growth of the Internet. They cover a broad spectrum of topics including, but not limited to, network protocols, security standards, and application interfaces.

Examples

• RFC 791: Defines the Internet Protocol (IP).
• RFC 2616: Defines HTTP 1.1.
• RFC 5246: Specifies the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol.

Considerations

• Obsolescence: Technologies evolve, and hence, some RFCs become outdated.
• Compliance: Adhering to RFC standards ensures compatibility across systems and platforms.

Related Terms

• IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force): The organization that oversees the development and publishing of RFCs.
• BCP (Best Current Practices): Documented practices that reflect the best operational and technical practices.

Comparisons

• Standards Track vs. Informational RFCs: Standards track RFCs are intended to become official standards, whereas Informational RFCs provide general guidance without the intention of standardization.

Interesting Facts

• The RFC series contains thousands of documents, with numbers exceeding 9000.
• RFC 1149 humorously defines a method for IP over Avian Carriers (IPoAC).

Inspirational Stories

Steve Crocker’s vision and informal beginnings for RFCs underscore the power of collaborative communication in creating complex systems.

Famous Quotes

• “Be conservative in what you send, be liberal in what you accept.” – Postel’s Law (RFC 1122).

Proverbs and Clichés

• “Necessity is the mother of invention,” reflecting the practical inception of RFCs.

Expressions, Jargon, and Slang

• “Postel’s Principle”: Refers to Jon Postel’s principle of robustness, central to many RFCs.

FAQs

What is an RFC?

RFC stands for Request for Comments and are documents that define Internet standards and protocols.

Who creates RFCs?

RFCs are authored by individuals or groups and undergo a review process managed by the IETF.

Are all RFCs standards?

No, not all RFCs are standards. Some provide general information or document best practices.

References

1. RFC Editor, “The RFC Series,” https://www.rfc-editor.org
2. IETF, “Internet Engineering Task Force,” https://www.ietf.org
3. Postel, J. “Transmission Control Protocol,” RFC 793, https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc793.txt

Summary

RFCs are foundational documents that define the specifications, protocols, and methodologies essential for the interoperability and functionality of the Internet. From their inception in the 1960s to their current role in guiding Internet standards, RFCs embody the collaborative spirit of Internet development, ensuring a coherent and robust framework for future advancements.