Internet Standard

What Does Internet Standard Mean?

An internet standard (STD) is a specification that has been approved by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Such standard helps to promote a consistent and universal use of the internet worldwide.

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Techopedia Explains Internet Standard

Prior to approval, the proposed internet standard goes through a series of stages called a “standards track.” The standard first starts as a draft, which may evolve into an RFC (Request for Comments). If the IETF approves the RFC, then it becomes a standard.

RFCs and proposed internet standards cover a lot of ground. From standards for handling technical TCP/IP processes to standards for the display of various types of media, the IETF weighs in on a large number of these standards as they make their way toward adoption.

A list of proposed standards can be found at RFC-editor.org.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…