The enterprise networking landscape is undergoing a major transformation. Across industries, organizations are moving away from traditional, hardware-heavy infrastructures and adopting Network as a Service (NaaS).
What is Network as a Service (NaaS)?
Network as a Service (NaaS) is a cloud-based networking model that allows organizations to consume network infrastructure and services on a subscription basis. Instead of purchasing, configuring, and maintaining physical networking equipment, enterprises access on-demand network capabilities through cloud platforms and APIs.
NaaS abstracts the traditional networking stack including routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers, and delivers it virtually, replacing the need for on-premise networking hardware. Load balancing is one of the key network functions managed by NaaS, alongside other services like firewalls and DDoS protection. This approach simplifies management, accelerates deployment, and improves operational agility.
Core technologies powering modern NaaS solutions include:
- Software-defined networking (SDN) for programmable control
- Network function virtualization (NFV) for replacing hardware appliances with software
- Cloud-native orchestration for automated provisioning and lifecycle management
These technologies also monitor and optimize the underlying infrastructure to ensure high performance and reliability.
By converting CapEx into OpEx, NaaS enables predictable, usage-based pricing and eliminates the maintenance burden of physical infrastructure. The NaaS model is a cloud-based approach that streamlines enterprise connectivity, replacing complex VPN/MPLS setups and enabling direct, secure access to cloud services.
NaaS also improves the management and routing of network traffic compared to traditional models, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing efficiency.
Cloud services and NaaS
Cloud services have fundamentally transformed how organizations approach their IT and network infrastructure. Within this landscape, Network as a Service (NaaS) stands out as a powerful cloud service model that enables organizations to consume networking services on-demand, eliminating the need for extensive physical infrastructure. By leveraging NaaS, businesses can rapidly deploy and scale network resources, adapting to changing requirements without the delays and costs associated with traditional hardware and software technologies.
This flexible consumption model not only delivers significant cost savings by converting capital expenses into predictable operational expenses, but also reduces operational complexity for IT teams. NaaS enables organizations to focus on their core business objectives, confident that their network infrastructure is agile, secure, and optimized for the demands of modern cloud computing environments.
Benefits of Network as a Service
1. Scalability and flexibility
NaaS enables rapid scaling of network capacity based on demand. Businesses can expand or reduce resources instantly without long procurement cycles or hardware overprovisioning.
Cloud-based portals allow administrators to reconfigure networks within hours, ideal for growing enterprises or seasonal operations. With NaaS, organizations can operate their own networks independently, without the need for on-premise hardware.
2. Simplified IT operations and automation
NaaS providers manage software updates, security patches, and feature rollouts automatically (these external vendors are commonly referred to as a NaaS provider). Centralized dashboards offer full visibility across distributed environments, while automation tools handle provisioning, failover, and traffic optimization — reducing manual workload and risk of human error.
3. Integrated security
Modern NaaS platforms incorporate Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) frameworks that unify networking and security. Built-in tools like next-gen firewalls, Zero Trust access controls, and intrusion prevention systems protect all endpoints consistently, supporting compliance with standards such as GDPR and HIPAA. NaaS platforms also provide centralized security policy enforcement across the network, ensuring consistent application of security measures and streamlined policy management.
4. Global performance and accessibility
With global points of presence and optimized routing, NaaS providers ensure low-latency performance across regions. Users can access NaaS from any location as long as they have an internet connection. Direct cloud connectivity to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud delivers reliable, secure access for remote users and multi-cloud environments.
5. Advanced analytics and visibility
AI-powered analytics provide real-time insights into network performance, user behavior, and capacity needs. This data-driven visibility enables proactive optimization and predictive maintenance for higher reliability.
3 Key types of NaaS services
1. SD-WAN as a service
SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) delivered as a service enhances WAN performance and flexibility. It intelligently routes traffic across multiple connection types — broadband, LTE, and MPLS — based on real-time conditions.
Leading SD-WAN as a Service providers include Cisco, VMware VeloCloud, and HPE Aruba.
2. Managed network services
Managed NaaS offerings provide end-to-end network management, including design, deployment, monitoring, and support. They’re ideal for organizations seeking to offload routine network operations and ensure high uptime with SLA-backed performance guarantees.
3. Cloud connectivity services
These services deliver dedicated, high-speed cloud connections that bypass the public internet, enhancing performance and security. These connections are often managed and maintained by a cloud provider, who is responsible for hardware and software upgrades, security, and scalability. Cloud providers also offer cloud-based networking solutions that eliminate the need for on-premise hardware and traditional network configurations. Multi-cloud connectivity and cloud on-ramp optimization make it easier to integrate hybrid cloud architectures efficiently.
NaaS and SASE convergence
The convergence of Network as a Service (NaaS) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) marks a major milestone in enterprise networking. Together, they combine connectivity and security into a single cloud-delivered framework. While NaaS delivers networking services, data storage is typically provided by other cloud service models such as IaaS and PaaS.
Key integrated services include:
- SD-WAN for optimized traffic routing
- CASB for cloud application control
- FWaaS and ZTNA for secure, policy-based access
- Cloud-based DHCP service for cloud-native IP management and Zero Trust security
This unified model reduces complexity, boosts performance, and enables organizations to enforce consistent Zero Trust security policies across users and devices.
NaaS implementation considerations
While the benefits of NaaS are substantial, successful adoption requires strategic planning:
- Legacy system integration: Hybrid deployments may be necessary to bridge existing infrastructure with cloud networks. Integrating with legacy data centers and traditional data centers can present significant challenges, such as migration obstacles, compatibility issues, and reliance on outdated on-premise infrastructure.
- Vendor lock-in: Choose providers that support open standards and APIs.
- Performance assurance: Review SLAs carefully and ensure monitoring tools track real-world performance.
- Phased migration: Start with low-risk environments and expand gradually to minimize disruption.
Leading NaaS providers
The NaaS market features both traditional telecom giants and cloud-native innovators:
Telecom leaders:
- Verizon Business – global managed network and security integration
- AT&T – SD-WAN and hybrid cloud connectivity
- BT Global Services – multinational network orchestration and compliance
Cloud-native NaaS providers:
- Cloudflare Magic WAN – edge-driven performance and security
- Cato Networks – unified SASE and NaaS platform
- Alkira – multi-cloud networking automation
FAQ
What does Network as a Service (NaaS) mean?
Network as a Service (NaaS) is a cloud-based model that delivers networking infrastructure, services, and management through a subscription. Instead of buying and maintaining physical routers, switches, or firewalls, organizations consume these resources virtually on demand, similar to how they use cloud storage or SaaS applications.
How does NaaS work?
NaaS providers host and manage the network infrastructure in the cloud. Users access and configure their networks through centralized portals or APIs. Behind the scenes, technologies like software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV), and cloud orchestration enable on-demand provisioning, traffic optimization, and automated scaling.
What are the main benefits of NaaS?
The key benefits include:
- Lower upfront costs (CapEx to OpEx conversion)
- Simplified IT operations and reduced maintenance
- Greater scalability and network flexibility
- Built-in security and compliance tools
- Centralized visibility through analytics and AI-driven monitoring
What’s the difference between NaaS and SaaS?
While both are cloud service models, SaaS (Software as a Service) delivers software applications over the internet, and NaaS (Network as a Service) delivers the underlying network infrastructure and connectivity. SaaS runs on top of the network, whereas NaaS is the network.
What are some examples of NaaS solutions?
Examples of NaaS offerings include:
- SD-WAN as a service for wide area connectivity
- Cloud connectivity services for hybrid or multi-cloud environments
- Managed network services for end-to-end infrastructure management
