Internet Core Protocols: The Definitive Guide

The Internet Architecture Board

Perhaps the most critical function that the IAB serves is to provide think-tank services for the Internet in general, dealing with such issues as overall architecture, support for international character sets, and so on. The IAB also acts as a pseudo-appellate court for users to go to when they feel that the IESG has made a critical error in the standardization process. The IAB is also responsible for interacting with other standards bodies (such as IEEE, ITU, and ISO).

The IAB consists of thirteen voting members. Twelve of these board positions are filled by a nomination process sponsored by the IETF. The thirteenth position is an ex officio seat provided to the current chair of the IETF. In addition, the chairs of the IANA and the IRTF are also invited to attend all IAB meetings, although they do not have any votes.

For more information on the IAB, visit their web page at http://www.iab.org/.