Networking & Content Delivery

AWS and NANOG join forces: Unlocking IPv6 potential with the IPv6 Clinic at NANOG 93

They say old habits die hard, and in the networking world, that sentiment rings especially true when it comes to IPv4. It’s like that guest at a party who refuses to leave, even though the snacks are gone, and everyone’s ready for bed 😉 . Despite the glaring reality of IPv4 exhaustion, its reign persists, often hindering the growth and efficiency of modern networks. IPv6 has been patiently waiting in the wings, offering a solution to IPv4’s limitations—like infinite hors d’oeuvres and ample seating for everyone—but adoption remains slow. Why?

Following two successful IPv6 Day celebrations in 2023 and 2024, virtually and at AWS offices around the world, we’re partnering with NANOG to bring more IPv6 events to the community in 2025. At NANOG 93, we’re kicking off the IPv6 Clinic, a new and dedicated in person event designed to empower network professionals and cloud network engineers with the tools and knowledge to embrace IPv6 in the cloud. Whether you’re an IPv6 advocate or a skeptical holdout (and even if you lost all hope), this event promises actionable insights, hands-on learning, and collaborative problem-solving.

Why IPv6?

In a world where connected devices are growing at an accelerated pace, container deployments require more available IP addresses, and networks need to scale to accommodate for new use cases, IPv6 is not just a “nice-to-have”—it’s an imperative. IPv4 address space is simply inadequate for supporting the explosion of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, cloud-native applications, and global connectivity demands. IPv6, with its 128-bit address space, is a game-changer, offering scalability, improved security, and streamlined network management.

For cloud network engineers, the cloud often represents an environment where they can experiment with IPv6, test capabilities and connectivity, and build IPv6-enabled networks without disrupting on-premises environments. AWS offers robust support for IPv6 across over forty IPv6-enabled services, including Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), AWS Direct Connect, AWS Transit Gateway and AWS Cloud WAN, Amazon VPC Lattice, and AWS PrivateLink.

What to expect from the IPv6 Clinic at NANOG 93

The NANOG 93 IPv6 Clinic is designed to bridge the gap between IPv6 theory and real-world application, particularly in AWS environments. Here’s a sneak peek at what we’ve got lined up:

  1. Presentations by IPv6 Experts – Kick off the day with insightful talks from leading experts in cloud networking and IPv6 implementation. Topics will include:
    • The Business Case for IPv6: Why You Can’t Afford to Wait
    • AWS IPv6 Deep Dive: Features, Limitations, and Opportunities
    • Lessons Learned: Successful IPv6 Migrations in Large-Scale Environments
  2. Interactive workshop: Hands-on with IPv6 on AWS – In this hands-on session, you will:
    • Configure IPv6-enabled VPCs and subnets.
    • Test IPv6 connectivity across AWS services.
    • Troubleshoot common issues in IPv6 deployments. This workshop is a great opportunity to get practical experience and ask questions in real time. Note: You need a laptop to access the workshop
  3. Whiteboarding sessions: Collaborative problem solving – Networking challenges are rarely one-size-fits-all. During the whiteboarding session, we will:
    • Tackle real-world IPv6 deployment scenarios.
    • Share ideas and solutions for overcoming common hurdles.
    • Collaborate with peers and experts to refine IPv6 adoption strategies.

What makes the IPv6 Clinic event unique?

The IPv6 Clinic is tailored for cloud network engineers working with AWS. It’s not about rehashing why IPv6 is important—you already know that. Instead, we’re diving into the “how” of IPv6 adoption, providing practical guidance and fostering collaboration among professionals facing similar challenges.

The event’s interactive format ensures you’ll walk away with more than just theoretical knowledge. You’ll gain hands-on experience, actionable insights, and a network of peers to support your IPv6 journey long after the conference ends.

Looking ahead: Let’s build a community of IPv6 advocates

The IPv6 Clinic at NANOG 93 is just the beginning. As IPv6 adoption continues to grow, so too will the need for dedicated forums where cloud network engineers can share experiences, learn from one another, and drive progress. We’re committed to supporting similar events at future NANOG conferences, creating a community of IPv6 advocates who are equipped to lead the charge in cloud networking.

“We are thrilled to introduce this new initiative to the NANOG community. Actively engaging with IPv6 adoption aligns perfectly with NANOG’s mission.” says Jonathan Black, NANOG’s Executive Director.

Ready to take the plunge? Register today!

IPv6 adoption might feel like a daunting leap, but with the right tools, knowledge, and support, it’s a leap worth taking. Join us at NANOG 93 for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration as we pave the way for the future of cloud networking on AWS.

Registration and key details

Register now for the IPv6 Clinic at NANOG 93. Registration is required. Due to limited capacity, your name will be added to a wait list and confirmed shortly.

  • When: February 2, 2025
  • Where: Atlanta Marriott Marquis – Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Lunch and refreshments will be provided, as well as limited-edition SWAG (yes, we will have the IPv6 cat stickers too!)

Detailed IPv6 Clinic agenda

  • 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Registration, lite breakfast and welcome
  • 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Short intro into the Amazon Virtual Private Cloud
  • 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Adoption strategies & IPv6 addressing best practices
  • 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Special guest speaker
  • 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: IPv6 reference architectures and whiteboarding Q&A
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
  • 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: IPv6 workshop and whiteboarding Q&A
  • 2:00 PM – 2:15 PM: Break
  • 2:15 PM – 3:30 PM: IPv6 workshop, whiteboarding, and Q&A

We’ll save a seat for you (and don’t worry, there’s plenty of room with IPv6)

Consider attending the full NANOG 93 Conference (February 3-5, 2025) Details and registration information can be found on the event page.

Also, if you’re curious to learn more about IPv6 on AWS, we recommend to review the AWS re:Post guide Get started with IPv6 on AWS and the documentation.

See you there!