(IETF) The IETF is a large, open international communITy of network designers, operators, vendors and researchers whose purpose is to coordinate the operation, management and evolution of the Internet and to resolve short- and mid-range protocol and archITectural issues. IT is a major source of proposals for protocolstandards which are submITted to the {Internet ArchITecture Board} (IAB) for final approval. The IETF meets three times a year and extensive minutes are included in the IETF Proceedings. The IETF Secretariat, run by The {Corporation for National Research InITiatives} wITh funding from the US government, maintains an index of Internet-Drafts whereas RFCs are maintained by The Internet ArchITecture Board. Start . (1999-01-27)