About
The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is the premier Internet standards body, developing open standards through open processes.
The IETF is a large open international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers concerned with the evolution of the Internet architecture and the smooth operation of the Internet. The technical work of the IETF is done in Working Groups, which are organized by topic into several Areas. Much of the work is handled via mailing lists. The IETF holds meetings three times per year.
The IETF standards-setting process is open to any individual interested in providing technical contributions.
Participants new to the IETF—even those with previous experience with Internet technologies or working in other standards-setting bodies—find it helpful to read Getting Started in the IETF and The Tao of the IETF.
Mission and principles
The mission of the IETF is to make the Internet work better by producing high quality, relevant technical documents that influence the way people design, use, and manage the Internet.
Who we are
The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is a large open international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers concerned with the evolution of the Internet architecture and the smooth operation of the Internet.
Groups
The work of the IETF is undertaken and supported by a wide variety of groups with differing structures, goals, and responsibilities.
Open records
Public archives of most of the contributions, submissions, statements and communications that we receive.
Administration
The IETF Administration LLC (IETF LLC) provides the corporate legal home for the IETF, the Internet Architecture Board (IAB), and the Internet Research Task Force (IRTF).
Participate in the IETF
Participation in the IETF is open to individuals willing to contribute technical expertise to help make the Internet work better.
IETF Glossary
This page provides information about terms commonly used in the IETF.
Note Well
The Note Well describes IPR and other policies related to submissions by a Contributor for publication as all or part of an IETF Internet-Draft or RFC and any statement made within the context of an IETF activity.
Liaisons
The IETF has a limited number of liaison relationships with other organizations. Liaisons are appointed by the Internet Architecture Board (IAB) when the IAB feels that conditions warrant appointing a specific person to such a task.
IETF Financial Supporters
IETF donors help ensure there is always a neutral venue for advancing the technical foundation for the global Internet today and in the future.