Unless the court orders otherwise, the parties may by written stipulation (1) provide that depositions may be taken before any person, at any time or place, upon any notice, and in any manner and when so taken may be used like other depositions, and (2) to the extent allowed by Rule 6(b), modify the procedures provided by these rules for other methods of discovery.

The language above is the current Federal Rule which permits stipulations for means of discovery, and insures that a court may vary the stipulations.  The parties, however, cannot by stipulation extend the time for response to interrogatories, document requests, and requests to admit.

The 2001 amendment eliminates the requirement of court approval for requests for extensions regarding discovery procedure where the parties agree to the extension in writing.  Extensions are limited by Rule 6(b) which allows the parties to stipulate to only one extension and for the original time provided.