as you read this document, you may be directed to various rfc documents for further information. an rfc is a request for comment (rfc) published by the internet engineering task force (ietf), an open organization that defines the architecture and operation of the internet. the rfc documents outline and define the standard protocols and procedures for the internet. the documents are listed on the world wide web at www.ietf.org and are mirrored and indexed at many other sites worldwide.