Summary

This appendix has provided information on obtaining and using RFCs. RFCs are the lifeblood of the Internet. Nothing happens without them. They represent the conception of new ideas (proposals). They track the ideas through their gestation period (the ratification process) and finally document their birth (as an Internet standard).

After a standard has been established, RFCs track their evolution as well. Anybody supporting an IP network should check out the RFC index at least twice a year to look for emerging standards, as well as newer versions of RFCs for applicable technologies.