APRICOT brings together network operators from across the region each year to share operational experience and learn from one another. IPv6 deployment continues to be one of the important areas where practical skills make a measurable difference.
The IPv6 Deployment Workshop at APRICOT 2026 was the first event to use APNIC’s newly developed training lab architecture and the updated IPv6 curriculum. This post explains what changed, how it shaped the workshop, and how it supports future training.
Improved lab infrastructure
In mid‑2025, APNIC began a significant update to its training environment. The aim was to create a reliable, flexible lab system that was also more cost-effective than cloud-based offerings.
Two new lab sites were built: One in Brisbane, Australia, and one in Singapore. These sites now host the full training lab environment, optimizing latency for different regions. The Singapore site provides low latency for training events in South Asia and South East Asia. Meanwhile, the Brisbane site offers strong performance for other parts of Asia and the Pacific. For trainers and participants, this means that training labs load more consistently, and troubleshooting focuses on the learning objectives.
In addition to introducing new topologies and lab guides, APNIC also implemented backend improvements, including a Lab Manager web portal that automates lab provisioning and simplifies troubleshooting. Traditionally, trainers had to log into each participant’s device to verify whether configurations were complete or correct. With Lab Manager, these checks can now be performed automatically, significantly streamlining the process.
The IPv6 workshop at APRICOT 2026 was the first event to use this new environment. Delivering it live gave the team a chance to validate the design in an operational setting and gather feedback for the next round of improvements.
Updated IPv6 curriculum
The IPv6 curriculum has been refreshed, with the existing materials refined, modules reorganized, and explanations and examples improved to create a better learner experience, with updated scenarios that reflect current deployment practice in ISPs, data centres, and enterprises.
Fifteen training labs were redesigned as part of this process. Each lab now uses a new topology and new instructions. Ten of these labs focus on IPv6 and were delivered for the first time at APRICOT.
Two new modules were added:
- IPv6‑mostly
- IPv6 Deployment Planning
These modules give participants more structured guidance on transitioning from dual‑stack to IPv6‑first environments. They also provide a clearer path from basic concepts to practical planning.
The combination of revised material and new lab topologies aims to give operators a better sense of how IPv6 behaves in networks similar to the ones they manage.
Who took part
Sixteen participants joined the workshop. They came from eight economies: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, and Singapore. Their professional backgrounds reflected the operational focus of the training:
- 56% from ISPs, telcos, and data centres
- 31% from enterprises
- 12% from solution providers
- 6% from education
Most participants were network engineers, and women made up 19% of the group.
This mix shows the range of organizations now responsible for deploying and running IPv6 in production. It also reflects the demand for hands‑on training built around realistic network conditions.
Participant perspective
Feedback was positive. “The training was well structured and highly practical” said one participant, “with clear explanations of IPv6 deployment and security topics.”
The real-world applicability of the workshop came up multiple times. One said that they planned to “apply this knowledge by improving IPv6 security controls and implementing proper filtering and validation mechanisms in operational networks”. Another, who works at an ISP, said that the workshop gave them the confidence to “implement IPv6 network in our core layer and enterprise customers”.
Supporting IPv6 deployment across the region
IPv6 deployment continues to grow in the region, but the pace and approach vary between economies. APNIC Academy training remains an important way for APNIC to support operators working through the details of IPv6 planning and implementation.
The launch of the new training lab infrastructure and updated IPv6 curriculum at APRICOT 2026 is an important step. It allows APNIC’s Development team to deliver more consistent workshops and gives participants a learning environment that reflects the networks they work on. The experience gained from this first use will guide improvements to future events throughout the year.
The views expressed by the authors of this blog are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of APNIC. Please note a Code of Conduct applies to this blog.