ANRW: Bridging Research and Internet Standards
Discover how the Applied Networking Research Workshop fosters innovation by connecting academic insights with IETF standards development for a robust Internet.
The Internet’s evolution relies on a delicate balance between cutting-edge research and practical standards development. At the heart of this intersection lies the Applied Networking Research Workshop (ANRW), an annual event that has grown from a pioneering gathering in 2016 to a cornerstone of networking innovation. Co-sponsored by ACM SIGCOMM, the Internet Research Task Force (IRTF), and the Internet Society, ANRW provides a vital platform where academic findings meet real-world deployment challenges, directly influencing the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) standards process.
The Genesis of ANRW: A New Era in 2016
In 2016, the inaugural ANRW marked a significant milestone in bringing rigorous, applied networking research directly to the IETF community. Held just before IETF 96 in Berlin, the workshop featured a diverse program covering critical topics like multipath transport, software-defined networking (SDN) routing, peering dynamics, and metrics for transport quality. This event was not merely a presentation forum; it was designed to spark discussions that could translate research prototypes into deployable standards.
From its outset, ANRW emphasized practicality. Papers were selected based on their potential to address operational pain points, such as improving TCP performance over diverse paths or optimizing inter-domain routing policies. Attendees included academics, network operators from major ISPs, and IETF working group chairs, creating a melting pot of perspectives. The workshop’s success laid the groundwork for annual iterations, proving that structured forums could accelerate the journey from lab experiments to global Internet protocols.
Evolution Through the Years: Key Milestones
Following the 2016 debut, ANRW quickly established itself as a recurring fixture. The 2017 edition in Prague expanded sessions to include measurements, transport protocols, implementation challenges, and Internet health metrics. By then, papers were archived in the ACM Digital Library, ensuring wide accessibility. Subsequent workshops refined the format, incorporating invited keynotes from industry leaders and short papers for emerging ideas.
- 2017 Prague (IETF 99): Focused on empirical data from production networks, with support from Comcast and Akamai.
- 2025 IETF 123: Featured sessions with open-access proceedings, emphasizing real-time protocol analysis.
- 2026 Vienna (IETF 126): Introduced full open access under ACM’s new model, held on July 20.
Each iteration has adapted to pressing needs, from QUIC protocol refinements to AI-driven network management. The co-location with IETF meetings—typically a full day beforehand—maximizes cross-pollination, allowing researchers to attend standards sessions and vice versa.
Core Objectives and Unique Value Proposition
ANRW’s mission is laser-focused: to present emerging results in applied networking that could inspire IETF engineering, refine protocol specifications, or shift operational practices. Unlike general conferences, it prioritizes relevance to Internet standards. Submission guidelines encourage work on real-world deployments, testbeds, scalability, security, and performance—areas ripe for IETF action.
The workshop’s structure supports deep interaction. Sessions allocate ample time for Q&A and panel discussions, often leading to BOF (Birds of a Feather) sessions at IETF. For instance, early ANRW papers on multipath TCP influenced ongoing IETF efforts in MPTCP extensions. This feedback loop has produced tangible outcomes, including citations in RFCs and new research groups.
Who Participates and Why It Matters
ANRW attracts a global audience: university researchers submitting peer-reviewed papers, vendors testing prototypes, operators sharing deployment data, and IETF participants scouting innovations. Registration is affordable ($100 USD historically), with student grants ensuring inclusivity. Sponsors like Akamai and Comcast provide financial backing, underscoring industry buy-in.
For newcomers, the workshop demystifies the IETF process. Presenters learn how to align research with standards tracks, while IETF veterans gain fresh empirical insights. This symbiosis strengthens the Internet’s resilience, addressing threats like congestion collapse or encryption weaknesses through evidence-based evolution.
Spotlight on the Applied Networking Research Prize (ANRP)
Complementing ANRW is the Applied Networking Research Prize (ANRP), launched to honor standout contributions. Nominations for 2026 closed in November 2025, recognizing papers that provide scientific foundations for IETF/IRTF work. Winners are announced at IETF plenary sessions, like those at IETF 122, amplifying their impact. ANRP criteria emphasize real-world analysis, making it a prestigious accolade for early-career researchers.
Technical Highlights: Themes Across Workshops
ANRW programs evolve with technology trends. Early events tackled transport evolution (e.g., QUIC precursors), while recent ones explore 5G/6G integration, edge computing, and privacy-enhancing technologies.
| Year | Location | Key Themes | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Berlin | Multipath, SDN, Peering | Influenced MPTCP RFCs |
| 2017 | Prague | Measurements, Transport | ACM Digital Library debut |
| 2026 | Vienna | Open Problems, IETF-Relevant Research | Full Open Access |
These themes reflect the Internet’s dynamic challenges, from bandwidth scarcity to zero-trust architectures.
Open Access Revolution in 2026
A game-changer for ANRW ’26 is ACM’s open access model. All papers will be freely available in the Digital Library, democratizing knowledge. This aligns with IRTF’s open research ethos, removing paywalls that previously limited operator access in resource-constrained regions.
Future Directions: ANRW’s Enduring Impact
Looking ahead, ANRW is poised to tackle emerging frontiers like AI-optimized routing, quantum-safe cryptography, and sustainable networking. Its track record—dozens of papers influencing standards—positions it as indispensable. As IETF 126 approaches in Vienna, ANRW continues to bridge academia and practice, ensuring the Internet remains innovative and robust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is ANRW?
ANRW is an annual workshop co-located with IETF, focusing on applied networking research relevant to standards development.
Who sponsors ANRW?
Primary sponsors are ACM SIGCOMM, IRTF, and Internet Society, with industry support from companies like Akamai.
How do I submit a paper to ANRW?
Check the IRTF ANRW site for calls; emphasize real-world impact and IETF relevance. Deadlines typically precede the July event.
Is ANRW open to non-academics?
Yes, it’s designed for researchers, operators, vendors, and IETF participants alike.
What is the ANRP?
The prize recognizes top applied networking papers with potential IETF/IRTF influence; nominations are annual.
References
- ACM/IRTF Applied Networking Research Workshops (ANRW) — Internet Research Task Force (IRTF). 2024. https://www.irtf.org/anrw/
- Applied Networking Research Workshop (ANRW ’26) — Internet Research Task Force (IRTF). 2026-07-20. https://www.irtf.org/anrw/2026/
- ANRW Group History — IETF Datatracker. 2026. https://datatracker.ietf.org/group/anrw/history/
- Applied Networking Research Prize 2026 Nominations — IETF Blog. 2025. https://www.ietf.org/blog/anrp-2026-nominations/
- Applied Networking Research Prize Presentations from IETF 122 — IETF Blog. 2025. https://www.ietf.org/blog/ietf122-anrp/
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