Network Working Group J-F. Mule
Request for Comments: 4965 CableLabs
Category: Informational W. Townsley
Cisco Systems
September 2007
CableLabs - IETF Standardization Collaboration
Status of This Memo
This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does
not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of this
memo is unlimited.
Abstract
This document describes the collaboration and liaison relationship
between the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and the Cable
Television Laboratories, Inc. (CableLabs).
Table of Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Basis of Collaboration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3. Document Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4. Participation in the IETF Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
5. Designated Liaison Managers and Responsibilities . . . . . . . 4
6. Formal Liaison Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
7. Contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
8. Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
9. IANA Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
10. Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
11. Common Work Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
12. Informative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
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1. Introduction
This document contains a set of principles and guidelines that serves
as the basis for establishing a liaison relationship between the
Cable Television Laboratories, Inc. and the Internet Engineering Task
Force (IETF). This cooperation framework is intended to secure
timely development of technical specifications that facilitate
maximum interoperability with existing Internet systems, devices, and
protocols.
CableLabs is a non-profit research and development consortium that is
dedicated to pursuing new cable telecommunications technologies and
to helping its cable operator members integrate those technical
advancements into their business objectives. Within CableLabs,
specification activities are organized into projects such as
DOCSIS(r), PacketCable(tm), and OpenCable(tm), and technical work is
conducted in focus teams. Product vendors, manufacturers, and cable
operator members are invited to join the focus teams that create
technical specifications. From time to time, individuals involved
with CableLabs focus teams submit CableLabs technical requirements or
requirement specifications to IETF in order to seek expert reviews
and solicit comments to create solutions that foster product
interoperability beyond cable. The submissions related to CableLabs
specifications may, for example, include use cases, protocol
requirements, draft MIB modules, and proposed solutions such as new
DHCP options. CableLabs also references the work of IETF and Request
For Comments in its specifications. The list of CableLabs projects
and specifications available publicly can be found at the CableLabs
Web site,
http://www.cablelabs.com.
Within the IETF, activities are undertaken within a framework of
Areas, with specific activities being undertaken by working groups
that are chartered within each Area. Working group output is
reviewed by the Internet Engineering Steering Group (IESG) and
published by the RFC Editor. IETF activities are based on a
principle of open contribution and participation by any interested
party. Details on the Internet Standards Process followed by the
IETF can be found in [RFC2026]. Information on IETF working groups,
current work item drafts, meeting schedules, and mailing lists are
published on the IETF Web site,
http://www.ietf.org.
The IETF and CableLabs are forming a liaison relationship with a
mutual desire to support the integrity of specifications developed by
each body. CableLabs does not develop standards other than through
its participation with Standards Defining Organizations (SDOs) like
the IETF.
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RFC 4965 CableLabs-IETF Collaboration September 2007
The preferred approach is that CableLabs uses the IETF specifications
unchanged, if feasible, and communicates requirements for change to
the IETF, as needed. The parties intend to work together in an
effort to avoid duplication of work.
Within the framework of this liaison relationship, each organization
will operate according to its own rules and procedures, including
rules governing Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), specification
elaboration, approval, and maintenance.
2. Basis of Collaboration
In the further development of CableLabs specifications, the benefit
of adopting IETF specifications has been identified. Although this
document recognizes the importance of interoperability of the
CableLabs specifications with the existing Internet and hence the use
of IETF standards, CableLabs recognizes that additions or
modifications might be needed in order to make the IETF
specifications meet the needs of CableLabs. In such cases, a
CableLabs individual or a vendor participant working on a CableLabs
specification may take its concerns directly to the appropriate IETF
working groups for resolution. When no appropriate working group can
be found or it is not known where to direct the communication, or in
the case of resolution of consequent matters, the issue will be
raised through the CableLabs designated liaison manager to the IETF
liaison manager.
The IETF may also need to ask questions of CableLabs in order to
refine its understanding of CableLabs requirements or may wish to
offer guidance to CableLabs on the effective use of IETF
specifications. Where possible, these communications will occur in
the context of a discussion between CableLabs and an IETF working
group. In the event that a working-group-level discussion is deemed
inappropriate for the desired communication, the matter will be
raised through the IETF's designated liaison manager to CableLabs.
3. Document Sharing
Both CableLabs and the IETF encourage the sharing of specification
documents and draft requirements that are of mutual interest.
All IETF documents are publicly available from the IETF Web site, and
discussion of documents is hosted on open mailing lists.
CableLabs documents intended for public consumption include CableLabs
Technical Reports and CableLabs Specifications that are in an
approved and published status. These documents have the CableLabs
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ISSUED status and are published for open access on CableLabs' Web
site,
http://www.cablelabs.com, or
http://www.cablelabs.com/specifications/archives/.
In order for the IETF to make any reference (informative or
normative), the document must be in an approved and published state,
and publicly available. It is expected that CableLabs will share
relevant information with IETF participants via individual IETF
Contributions, as described in [RFC3978], and without requiring a
non-disclosure agreement.
CableLabs and the IETF will work to update and exchange, when
appropriate and on a regular basis, a list of dependencies between
each organization's specifications and work in progress.
4. Participation in the IETF Process
The Internet Standards Process is described in [RFC2026].
Participation in the IETF process is open to any individual willing
to contribute. This naturally includes individuals who also
represent or otherwise contribute to the development of CableLabs
specifications. Such individuals may freely participate in IETF
mailing list discussions, submit and review Internet Drafts, and
attend IETF meetings in order to assist the IETF in refining its
understanding of CableLabs requirements as well as offering CableLabs
an opportunity to receive informal guidance on CableLabs' use of IETF
specifications. The vast majority of technical discussions and
decision making within the IETF is undertaken on open mailing lists.
Interested individuals should subscribe to and participate on these
lists.
5. Designated Liaison Managers and Responsibilities
When the informal working group level of interaction is insufficient,
matters can be raised through a liaison channel. CableLabs and the
IETF shall each establish liaison functions for communication with
the other organization and each shall appoint one individual acting
as a liaison manager as described in [RFC4052] and [RFC4053].
Formal communications from CableLabs will be initiated by the
designated CableLabs liaison manager by sending a liaison statement
to the IETF liaison manager; these must follow the procedures
described in [RFC4053]. The role of the IETF liaison manager is
defined in [RFC4052] and [RFC4691]. The IETF liaison manager is not
responsible for notifying CableLabs of new work to be undertaken by
the IETF. Instead, the designated CableLabs liaison manager or
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RFC 4965 CableLabs-IETF Collaboration September 2007
delegates should subscribe to IETF lists announcing the creation or
rechartering of IETF working groups (ietf-announce) and the lists
announcing new work (new-work).
5.1. IETF Liaison Manager to CableLabs
The preferred way for organizations to work with IETF is through the
working groups. However, IETF has a limited number of liaison
relationships and liaison managers with other organizations when
conditions warrant the appointment of a specific person.
The Internet Architecture Board (IAB) shall appoint a specific person
to serve as the IETF liaison manager to CableLabs. The role and
responsibilities of the IETF liaison manager to CableLabs are
described below. In particular, it is expected that the designated
liaison manager will act as an initial contact point in IETF for
administrative aspects of this collaboration that cannot easily be
handled in other ways (e.g., at a technical level by interactions
with IETF Working Groups or Area Directors). It is agreed that the
role does not carry the expectation of attendance at CableLabs
meetings or participation in CableLabs specification development
processes, and it is anticipated that all liaison efforts assigned to
this individual will be carried out by electronic mail. It is
understood that the IETF liaison manager does not have the ability to
make exceptions to, or special provisions for, IETF policies and
procedures.
It is expected that the individual appointed to the liaison manager
role would:
o perform all tasks as defined in [RFC4052] and [RFC4691],
o be informed by CableLabs, when appropriate, of CableLabs
activities within the IETF, including new work proposals, and be
able to report those using appropriate channels within the IETF,
o convey liaison statements from the IETF to CableLabs as described
in [RFC4053], and be responsible for shepherding CableLabs
communication to the relevant parts of the IETF,
o be able to raise issues with CableLabs technical leadership as
well as the IAB members and IETF Area Directors, as required.
CableLabs meetings are normally only open to delegates from CableLabs
members or those manufacturers who have signed the appropriate
agreements to participate in CableLabs projects or meetings.
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5.2. CableLabs Liaison Manager to IETF
CableLabs shall establish an IETF liaison function and name an
individual to be the CableLabs liaison Manager to IETF for matters
pertaining to the CableLabs-IETF cooperation. The CableLabs liaison
manager to IETF is expected to work with the concerned IETF and
CableLabs projects and focus teams and to support the interaction
between CableLabs and the IETF.
6. Formal Liaison Statements
Whenever possible, and as the preferred primary method of
communication and coordination of activity, communication at the
working group level is strongly encouraged.
When deemed necessary, formal communication between CableLabs and
IETF is also permitted. These communications are to be recorded in
the form of Liaison Statements, and the IETF will use the CableLabs
liaison manager to convey these statements between the IETF and
CableLabs. The procedure for proper handling of incoming liaison
statements defined in [RFC4053] must be followed by both the liaison
manager named by IETF and the liaison manager designated by
CableLabs. It is important to note that all liaison statements made
by the IETF or directed to the IETF shall be published by the IETF as
public documents. All liaison statements made by the IETF will
comply with the IETF IPR policy as documented in [RFC3978],
[RFC3979], [RFC4748], [RFC4371] and any updates.
7. Contributions
Individuals who are involved in CableLabs' projects and are willing
to contribute to IETF may make contributions to the IETF in their
capacity as IETF participants, under the IETF's IPR policy, as
documented in [RFC3978] and [RFC3979].
IETF participants whose companies are CableLabs members or have
signed the appropriate agreements with CableLabs may also make
contributions to CableLabs' projects and specifications.
CableLabs mailing lists are not open to the general public. It is
recommended that work of mutual interest be discussed on the relevant
IETF mailing lists.
The IETF and CableLabs will not co-develop any documents or material.
8. Security Considerations
This document does not directly affect the security of the Internet.
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9. IANA Considerations
This section provides some guidelines for IANA to consider when
adding references to a CableLabs specification in its registries.
CableLabs maintains a specification repository with a stable URL for
each published document under
http://www.cablelabs.com/specifications/. A stable document URL is
one following the format:
http://www.cablelabs.com/specifications/CableLabs_docname.pdf, where
'CableLabs_docname' is the CableLabs document name.
IANA is requested to use the above document URL format when
referencing CableLabs specifications in its registries.
10. Acknowledgments
The authors wish to thank the following individuals for their
comments and contributions: Ralph Brown, Brian Carpenter, Leslie
Daigle, Ralph Droms, Alain Durand, Simon Krauss, Thomas Narten, Dan
Romascanu, and Dave Oran.
It is also acknowledged that this document is inspired from [RFC3113]
and [RFC3131].
This document was produced using the xml2rfc tool (RFC2629).
11. Common Work Areas
This section may be removed from future versions of this document.
It is provided here to give some background information on the areas
that may be common to both CableLabs and the IETF.
At the time of this writing, IETF working groups that are of
particular interest to CableLabs include:
DHCWG, KERBEROS, IPCDN, SIP, SIPPING, SIMPLE, SPEERMINT, IPTEL,
BEHAVE, AVT, MMUSIC, AAA, GEOPRIV, DISMAN, MSEC, ENUM, ECRIT, IPV6,
MIP6, NETCONF, ISMS, BRIDGE, ENTMIB, MAGMA, V6OPS, DNSEXT, IPSEC,
L2VPN, ZEROCONF, L2TPEXT, and TLS.
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12. Informative References
[RFC2026] Bradner, S., "The Internet Standards Process -- Revision
3", BCP 9, RFC 2026, October 1996.
[RFC3113] Rosenbrock, K., Sanmugam, R., Bradner, S., and J. Klensin,
"3GPP-IETF Standardization Collaboration", RFC 3113,
June 2001.
[RFC3131] Bradner, S., Calhoun, P., Cuschieri, H., Dennett, S.,
Flynn, G., Lipford, M., and M. McPheters, "3GPP2-IETF
Standardization Collaboration", RFC 3131, June 2001.
[RFC3978] Bradner, S., "IETF Rights in Contributions", BCP 78,
RFC 3978, March 2005.
[RFC3979] Bradner, S., "Intellectual Property Rights in IETF
Technology", BCP 79, RFC 3979, March 2005.
[RFC4052] Daigle, L. and Internet Architecture Board, "IAB Processes
for Management of IETF Liaison Relationships", BCP 102,
RFC 4052, April 2005.
[RFC4053] Trowbridge, S., Bradner, S., and F. Baker, "Procedures for
Handling Liaison Statements to and from the IETF",
BCP 103, RFC 4053, April 2005.
[RFC4371] Carpenter, B. and L. Lynch, "BCP 101 Update for IPR
Trust", BCP 101, RFC 4371, January 2006.
[RFC4691] Andersson, L., "Guidelines for Acting as an IETF Liaison
to Another Organization", RFC 4691, October 2006.
[RFC4748] Bradner, S., "RFC 3978 Update to Recognize the IETF
Trust", BCP 78, RFC 4748, October 2006.
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Authors' Addresses
Jean-Francois Mule
CableLabs
858 Coal Creek Circle
Louisville, CO 80027
USA
EMail:
[email protected]
W. Mark Townsley
Cisco Systems
7025 Kit Creek Road
PO Box 14987
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
USA
EMail:
[email protected]
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RFC 4965 CableLabs-IETF Collaboration September 2007
Full Copyright Statement
Copyright (C) The IETF Trust (2007).
This document is subject to the rights, licenses and restrictions
contained in BCP 78, and except as set forth therein, the authors
retain all their rights.
This document and the information contained herein are provided on an
"AS IS" basis and THE CONTRIBUTOR, THE ORGANIZATION HE/SHE REPRESENTS
OR IS SPONSORED BY (IF ANY), THE INTERNET SOCIETY, THE IETF TRUST AND
THE INTERNET ENGINEERING TASK FORCE DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY THAT THE USE OF
THE INFORMATION HEREIN WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY RIGHTS OR ANY IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Intellectual Property
The IETF takes no position regarding the validity or scope of any
Intellectual Property Rights or other rights that might be claimed to
pertain to the implementation or use of the technology described in
this document or the extent to which any license under such rights
might or might not be available; nor does it represent that it has
made any independent effort to identify any such rights. Information
on the procedures with respect to rights in RFC documents can be
found in BCP 78 and BCP 79.
Copies of IPR disclosures made to the IETF Secretariat and any
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such proprietary rights by implementers or users of this
specification can be obtained from the IETF on-line IPR repository at
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The IETF invites any interested party to bring to its attention any
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rights that may cover technology that may be required to implement
this standard. Please address the information to the IETF at
[email protected].
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