TCP is currently one of the Internet's predominant transport protocols. TCPM
is the working group within the IETF that handles small TCP changes,
i.e., minor extensions to TCP algorithms and protocol mechanisms.
The TCPM WG serves several purposes:
 
* The WG mostly focuses on maintenance issues (e.g., bug fixes) and
modest changes to the protocol, algorithms, and interfaces that
maintain TCP's utility.
 
* The WG is a venue for moving current TCP specifications along the
standards track.
 
* The WG maintains Multipath TCP (MPTCP) and is a home for minor
MPTCP enhancements including updates to the existing multipath
congestion control.
 
The preferred venue for Congestion control work is generally CCWG or ICCRG. However, TCPM can take on such work in coordination with those groups, especially if it relies on TCP-specific protocol elements.
 
New TCPM milestones that fall within the scope specified within the
charter can be added after consensus on acceptance in the working
group and approval by the responsible Area Director.