The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) operates under the auspices of the Internet Society, a global non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the open development, evolution, and use of the internet.
Understanding the IETF's Governance Model
While the Internet Society provides the organizational and financial framework, the IETF itself is a unique, open, and volunteer-driven community that develops the technical standards (or Request for Comments - RFCs) that make the internet work. It's not "run" by a single individual or a traditional corporate structure but rather governed by a set of well-defined principles and managed by various bodies composed of volunteers and appointed individuals.
The Role of the Internet Society (ISOC)
The Internet Society (ISOC) is the organizational home for the IETF, providing essential administrative and financial support. This relationship ensures the IETF's independence and focus on technical development. ISOC is a non-profit organization with local chapters worldwide, advocating for an open, globally connected, trustworthy, and secure internet.
Key Entities in IETF's Operation
The day-to-day operations and strategic direction of the IETF involve several critical groups and entities:
- Internet Engineering Steering Group (IESG): Responsible for the technical management of the IETF's activities and the final approval of internet standards. Its members are Area Directors, each overseeing a specific technical area.
- Internet Architecture Board (IAB): Provides architectural oversight for IETF activities, acts as an appeal body for IESG decisions, and manages the RFC series. It also appoints the IESG and the IETF Chair.
- IETF Chair: The primary leader of the IETF, responsible for its overall management and external representation. The Chair is appointed by the IAB.
- IETF Administration LLC (IETF LLC): A limited liability company formed by the Internet Society to handle the administrative, financial, and legal aspects of the IETF, IAB, and IESG, allowing the technical groups to focus solely on their core mission.
- IETF Trust: Holds the copyrights for RFCs and other IETF documents, managing them to ensure free and open access.
Historical Context
The IETF originated in the early 1980s and was initially supported by the federal government of the United States. However, since 1993, to ensure its continued independence and global reach, it transitioned to operate under the auspices of the Internet Society. This move was crucial in establishing the IETF as a truly international and community-driven standards body.
How IETF Standards Are Developed
The IETF's work is driven by a decentralized, consensus-based model:
- Working Groups: The bulk of the technical work happens in working groups, where participants collaborate on specific technical problems.
- Open Participation: Anyone can participate in IETF working groups and mailing lists, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Rough Consensus and Running Code: Decisions are made through a process of "rough consensus," meaning that while not every participant may agree, a strong majority supports a proposal, and dissenters have been heard and addressed. The emphasis is also on practical implementation—standards must be tested with "running code."
Structure of IETF Governance
To better understand the various bodies that contribute to running the IETF, consider the following table:
| Entity | Primary Responsibility | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Society | Organizational home, administrative & financial support | Parent organization/sponsor |
| IETF Chair | Overall leader, manages IETF activities | Appointed by IAB |
| IESG | Technical management, standards approval | Members are Area Directors, appointed by the IAB |
| IAB | Architectural oversight, RFC series management, IESG appointment | Independent board, some members appointed by IETF |
| IETF LLC | Administrative, financial, and legal services | Subsidiary of the Internet Society |
| IETF Trust | Holds copyrights for RFCs | Manages intellectual property for the IETF |
The IETF's open, collaborative, and decentralized nature, combined with the administrative backing of the Internet Society, allows it to effectively develop and maintain the core technical foundations of the internet.
