This paper presents a practical methodology for designing, implementing and deploying IPv6 networks. We use a virtual lab to simulate topologies for different scenarios. These topologies are designed programmatically and then, tested for connectivity and efficiency. In particular, these scenarios include translation mechanisms such as DNS64 and NAT64, tunneling mechanisms such as 6to4 and 6RD and combinations of DHCPv6 and SLAAC for dynamic address assignation. Then, the lessons learned in the virtual scenarios are applied to a production scenario showing that it is possible to migrate to IPv6 without loosing functionality or having a negative performance impact.