What is NaaS (Network-as-a-Service)?

Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) is a cloud-based networking solution that allows organizations to outsource their network operations and infrastructure. It is a modern, cost-effective alternative to traditional network solutions and provides organizations with an agile, secure, and reliable connection to the cloud. In this article, we will discuss what NaaS is, how it works, its benefits and drawbacks, and how it relates to the Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architectures.

What is NaaS?

Network-as-a-Service is a cloud-based networking solution that provides organizations with an agile, secure, and reliable connection to the cloud. It is a modern alternative to traditional network solutions such as routers, switches, and firewalls.

NaaS is a fully managed service that allows organizations to outsource their network operations and infrastructure to a third-party provider. It provides organizations with a comprehensive set of networking features, including virtual private networks (VPNs), bandwidth optimization, security, and more.

NaaS is an ideal solution for organizations that are looking to reduce costs and simplify their network operations. It also provides organizations with the flexibility to scale their network operations quickly and easily.

How does NaaS work?

NaaS works by allowing organizations to outsource their network operations and infrastructure to a third-party provider. The provider is responsible for managing and maintaining the organization’s network, including the hardware, software, and security measures. This allows organizations to focus on their core business operations without having to manage their own network infrastructure.

The provider typically manages the organization’s network using a software-defined networking (SDN) platform. This platform allows the provider to configure, manage, and monitor the organization’s network from a central console. Additionally, the provider is responsible for maintaining the organization’s network security and providing the necessary support and maintenance services.

Benefits of NaaS

There are many benefits to using Network-as-a-Service.

Cost saving – By outsourcing their network operations and infrastructure to a third-party provider, organizations can save money on hardware, software, and personnel costs.
Scalability – NaaS provides organizations with the flexibility to scale their network operations quickly and easily, enabling them to quickly adapt to changing business needs and requirements.
Secure and Reliable – NaaS also provides organizations with a secure and reliable connection to the cloud. NaaS provides organizations with comprehensive network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and more.

NaaS vs. Traditional Networking

NaaS provides organizations with an alternative to traditional networking solutions. Traditional networking solutions, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, require organizations to manage and maintain their own network infrastructure. This can be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, traditional networking solutions can be difficult to scale quickly and easily.

In contrast, as shared above, NaaS provides organizations with a cost-effective alternative to traditional networking solutions, eliminating the need to manage and maintain, with the flexibility to scale their network operations quickly and easily.

NaaS Deployment Strategies

There are several strategies for deploying NaaS. Organizations can choose to deploy NaaS on-premise, in the cloud, or as a hybrid solution.

On-premise NaaS solutions are ideal for organizations that need to maintain control over their network infrastructure.
Cloud-based NaaS solutions are ideal for organizations that need to quickly scale their network operations and don’t have the resources to manage their own network infrastructure.
Hybrid NaaS solutions provide organizations with the best of both worlds, allowing them to maintain control over their network infrastructure while also taking advantage of the scalability and flexibility of cloud-based solutions.

Challenges of NaaS

Switching Service-Provider – After an enterprise has signed up for a particular service provider, any attempts to switch to a different vendor may be hazardous. If the vendor’s hardware or software system fails or the supplier raises their prices, it could lead to serious consequences for the business.
Compatibility- The cloud-based service provider may not be able to operate alongside the outdated setup, such as obsolete hardware, on-site software, etc.
Migration – Companies that are still utilizing their own data centre to run applications and operations, rather than a cloud-based system, will struggle to migrate large applications and processes to a Network as a Service solution.

How does NaaS relate to SASE?

NaaS is closely related to the Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architectures. SD-WAN is a cloud-based networking solution that allows organizations to easily manage and secure their wide area networks (WANs). SASE is a cloud-based security solution that provides organizations with comprehensive network security measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and more.

NaaS is the bridge between SD-WAN and SASE architectures. It provides organizations with the flexibility to quickly and easily scale their network operations and implement comprehensive network security measures. This allows organizations to take advantage of the scalability and flexibility of cloud-based solutions while also maintaining control over their network infrastructure.

Final Words

If your organization is looking for a modern, cost-effective alternative to traditional network solutions, Network-as-a-Service may be the right solution for you.