ANRW 2026: Submit Your Networking Research Now

The ACM/IRTF Applied Networking Research Workshop (ANRW) stands as a pivotal gathering for those pushing the boundaries of network technologies. Scheduled for July 20, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, co-located with IETF-126, this hybrid event invites researchers, operators, and vendors to share innovations that could redefine Internet infrastructure. As the eleventh edition, ANRW ’26 emphasizes practical advancements with potential to feed into IETF engineering or IRTF experimentation.

Why Participate in ANRW 2026?

ANRW bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world deployment. Unlike traditional conferences, it prioritizes discussions that spark standards development. Attendees engage with IETF experts, gaining feedback to refine ideas. Papers accepted here often appear in the ACM Digital Library, boosting visibility. The hybrid format ensures global access, with remote presentation options available upon request to chairs.

Past workshops have influenced protocols on congestion control, encryption, and resilience. For 2026, organizers seek submissions that address evolving challenges like network centralization and decentralization efforts. This is your chance to contribute directly to the Internet’s future architecture.

Key Deadlines and Submission Process

Timing is critical for prospective authors. Mark these dates to stay on track:

Submissions occur via HotCRP, following ACM formatting guidelines. Regular papers (up to 12 pages) suit in-depth studies, while short papers (up to 6 pages) fit preliminary findings or position papers. Lightning talks offer 1-2 page abstracts for rapid insights. All undergo double-blind peer review by program committee experts.

Scope and Topics of Interest

ANRW ’26 welcomes broad contributions on Internet evolution. Topics span current IETF efforts and forward-looking ideas. Here’s a curated list of focus areas:

• Congestion Management: Innovations for diverse networks, including novel apps demanding low latency.
• Protocol Design and Verification: Tools for precise specification and automated checking of protocol behaviors.
• Internet Governance: Studies on consolidation trends, centralization risks, and governance models.
• Monitoring Encrypted Traffic: Methods to observe and troubleshoot privacy-enhanced protocols without decryption.
• Network Performance Metrics: Empirical data on throughput, latency, and user experience across applications.
• Wireless and Mobile Systems: Analysis of cellular, satellite, and edge deployments in dynamic environments.
• Resilience Strategies: Recovery mechanisms for disasters, remote operations, or adversarial conditions.
• Decentralization Initiatives: Protocols and architectures promoting distributed control and access.
• IP Evolution: Shifts in addressing semantics, privacy relays, and metadata handling at scale.

Submissions need not align strictly with existing IETF working groups; novel concepts poised for future relevance are encouraged.

Evolution of the ANRW Series

Launched in 2016 by the Internet Society, ACM SIGCOMM, and IRTF, ANRW has grown into a cornerstone event. Early editions in Berlin and Montreal set the tone for applied focus. By 2024 in Vancouver, it featured short and lightning papers, adapting to fast-paced research cycles. The 2025 Madrid edition refined hybrid logistics, paving the way for Vienna.

This progression reflects the Internet’s maturation: from basic connectivity to secure, resilient, equitable systems. Each workshop builds momentum, with proceedings archived for lasting impact. Researchers from academia, industry, and operations collaborate, often leading to IETF drafts or IRTF group formations.

Impact on Internet Standards

ANRW’s true value lies in its standards pipeline. Presentations here have spurred RFCs on QUIC transport, HTTP/3, and MASQUE proxying. Operators share deployment data, informing protocol tweaks. For instance, measurements of encrypted DNS have shaped DoH and DoT specifications.

Chairs prioritize work with actionable insights. A paper on satellite network integration might inspire new IETF efforts in hybrid 5G-non-terrestrial networks. Governance discussions feed into ongoing IRTF research on centralization. Submitters benefit from direct IETF engagement post-workshop.

Preparation Tips for Successful Submissions

To maximize acceptance chances:

• Emphasize Practicality: Link findings to deployable solutions or IETF relevance.
• Rigorous Evaluation: Include measurements from real networks, simulations, or prototypes.
• Clear Novelty: Distinguish from prior art, citing recent IETF docs.
• Double-Blind Compliance: Anonymize authors, avoid self-references.
• Engaging Presentation: Plan for 15-20 minute talks with Q&A to foster debate.

Review past proceedings on ACM DL for style. Contact chairs early for remote needs.

Hybrid Event Details and Logistics

Vienna hosts IETF-126, offering seamless transition to standards sessions. In-person includes catered breaks for networking. Remote participants join via live stream with chat interaction. Registration opens February 2026; early sign-up advised for hybrid perks.

Expect invited keynotes from IRTF chairs or industry leaders on hot topics like AI-driven networks or Web3 interoperability.

FAQs

What makes ANRW different from other networking conferences?

ANRW focuses on IETF-applicable research, with co-location enabling immediate standards dialogue, unlike broader venues.

Can I submit if my work isn’t IETF-related yet?

Yes, future-relevant topics are welcome, especially those eyeing protocol evolution or operations.

Is travel support available?

No direct funding, but IETF fellowships may apply; check IRTF site.

Where do accepted papers get published?

In ACM Digital Library with open access via IRTF links.

How to prepare for hybrid presentation?

Contact chairs pre-submission; test AV setups provided.

Call to Action: Shape the Internet’s Future

With the May 4, 2026, deadline approaching, polish your submission today. ANRW ’26 is more than a workshop—it’s a catalyst for Internet progress. Whether tackling congestion in datacenters or resilience in disaster zones, your research belongs here. Visit the official CFP for full details and submit via HotCRP.