The IETF creates internet protocol standards through RFCs (Requests for Comments). Most protocols you use started as RFCs.
RFC process:
Internet Draft submitted
Working groups review and revise
IESG approves for publication
RFC assigned a number
Notable RFCs:
- RFC : IPv
- RFC : TCP
- RFC : HTTP/
- RFC : IPv
- RFC : BGP-
RFCs are free at rfc-editor.org. Reading them helps you understand protocol behavior.