Who's Who in the Internet Standards World

Internet Standards refer to all the documented requirements both in technology as well as methodology pertaining to the Internet. The standardization process has maturity levels that ensure protocols are thoroughly tested before widespread adoption.

Internet Standards Maturity Levels

• Proposed Standard − Standards that are ready for implementation but can be revised according to deployment circumstances.

• Internet Standard − Technically matured standards that define protocols and message formats. These include fundamental standards that form the Internet Protocol (IP).

Key Internet Standards Organizations

Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)

IETF formulates, publishes and regulates Internet Standards, particularly those related to TCP/IP. The organization follows an open standard model with no formal memberships. Development of IETF standards is open to all interested participants. IETF documents are free and easily available over the Internet.

Internet Society (ISOC)

ISOC was founded in the US in 1992 as a non-profit organization to provide support for technical development of the Internet. It conducts activities in four key areas:

• Standards development

• Education and outreach

• Internet access initiatives

• Policy development

Internet Architecture Board (IAB)

IAB is a committee of IETF and an advisory body of ISOC. The board comprises researchers and professionals for developing technical aspects of the Internet. Key responsibilities include:

• Supervising architectural standards of different networks and IP

• Reviewing issues related to Internet Standards

• Providing guidance to IETF and ISOC

Internet Research Task Force (IRTF)

IRTF is composed of research groups focused on the long-term development of the Internet. It operates as a parallel organization to IETF with participants who have long-term memberships. The research groups work on Internet protocols, applications, technology and overall architecture.

World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)

W3C is the foremost international standards organization for the World Wide Web. It is a community of member organizations working together to develop web standards and improve web services. Popular standards developed by W3C include HTML, HTTP, XML, and CSS.

Organizational Relationships

Conclusion

The Internet standards ecosystem involves multiple organizations working collaboratively. IETF develops technical standards, ISOC provides organizational support, IAB oversees architecture, IRTF conducts research, and W3C focuses specifically on web technologies.