On Fri, 7 Jun 2002, Eric Hildum wrote:
> I'm sorry, but I have a tough time installing RFCs into real networks. RFCs
> are helpful in that they can provide a level of interoperability, but in the
> end I need real hardware and real software to install, not a specification
> of what should be installed. That is, the RFC is a starting point, not an
> end point.
If the RFC is a Draft Standard or Internet Standard then real software
does exist. Quoting from RFC 2026, which defines the Internet standards
process:
4.1.2 Draft Standard
A specification from which at least two independent and
interoperable implementations from different code bases have been
developed, and for which sufficient successful operational
experience has been obtained, may be elevated to the "Draft
Standard" level.
...
4.1.3 Internet Standard
A specification for which significant implementation and successful
operational experience has been obtained may be elevated to the
Internet Standard level. An Internet Standard (which may simply be
referred to as a Standard) is characterized by a high degree of
technical maturity and by a generally held belief that the
specified protocol or service provides significant benefit to the
Internet community.
Received on Mon Jun 10 19:17:25 2002