RFC 2418 (rfc2418) - Page 1 of 26
IETF Working Group Guidelines and Procedures
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group S. Bradner
Request for Comments: 2418 Editor
Obsoletes: 1603 Harvard University
BCP: 25 September 1998
Category: Best Current Practice
IETF Working Group
Guidelines and Procedures
Status of this Memo
This document specifies an Internet Best Current Practices for the
Internet Community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
improvements. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
Copyright Notice
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (1998). All Rights Reserved.
Abstract
The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) has responsibility for
developing and reviewing specifications intended as Internet
Standards. IETF activities are organized into working groups (WGs).
This document describes the guidelines and procedures for formation
and operation of IETF working groups. It also describes the formal
relationship between IETF participants WG and the Internet
Engineering Steering Group (IESG) and the basic duties of IETF
participants, including WG Chairs, WG participants, and IETF Area
Directors.
Table of Contents
Abstract ......................................................... 1
1. Introduction .................................................. 2
1.1. IETF approach to standardization .......................... 4
1.2. Roles within a Working Group .............................. 4
2. Working group formation ....................................... 4
2.1. Criteria for formation .................................... 4
2.2. Charter ................................................... 6
2.3. Charter review & approval ................................. 8
2.4. Birds of a feather (BOF) .................................. 9
3. Working Group Operation ....................................... 10
3.1. Session planning .......................................... 11
3.2. Session venue ............................................. 11
3.3. Session management ........................................ 13
3.4. Contention and appeals .................................... 15
Bradner Best Current Practice