Cisco network as a service (NaaS): Is it worth the price?

Cisco calls it Network as a Service, and while it covers hardware and lifecycle, it still leaves customers managing multiple tools, subscriptions, and service tiers.

A true managed NaaS should streamline the entire experience—not just dissect it into pieces. Before you commit, make sure you’re getting the full service, not just a new way to bundle and pay for complexity.

In this article, we’ll go over:

• What Network as a Service actually means
• How Cisco’s NaaS works, and where it falls short
• When Cisco’s model might still make sense
• What Meter delivers as a true NaaS provider
• The real differences between Cisco and Meter
• Why more teams are choosing Meter for end-to-end, fully integrated networking

At a glance: Cisco’s NaaS-wrapper vs. Meter’s NaaS-native solution

What exactly is Network as a Service, and how is it different?

Network as a Service (NaaS) means you get a full network—hardware, software, design, deployment, support, and upgrades—all bundled as a service. You don’t buy the gear. You don’t install it. You don’t have to manage or update anything. The provider takes care of the full setup and runs it for you. You pay one monthly, annual, or upfront cost that covers it all.

That’s what makes true NaaS different. It’s not just hardware with a financial lease attached. It’s a complete service.

The vendor manages the equipment, keeps it up to date, fixes it if it breaks, and handles every part of the network. You don’t deal with licenses. You don’t plan replacements. You don’t have to worry about staying current.

Most businesses still manage networks the traditional way—buying hardware, renewing licenses, and relying on large teams or vendors to keep things running.

Even with Cisco’s version of NaaS, key pieces can still fall on the customer. The service may include hardware and lifecycle management, but you're often managing separate subscriptions, dealing with different tools, and coordinating with partners for setup or changes.

That adds friction. You spend time navigating product tiers, aligning licenses, and working across systems built from years of acquisitions. Control is split, support can vary, and it’s still on you to keep everything connected.

True NaaS—like what Meter offers—removes that complexity.

One provider. One subscription. One operating system.

No license juggling, no integration overhead, no tracking down vendors. Just an end-to-end network that stays current, scales cleanly, and works without extra effort.

What is Cisco’s Network as a Service?

Cisco’s Network as a Service does help reduce some of the operational load. It typically includes provider-managed hardware, cloud-based dashboards, and lifecycle support—all delivered through Cisco or a certified partner.

But instead of a single service, you get access to a portfolio of platforms: Meraki, Nexus, SASE, hybrid cloud, and more. Each is sold separately, with different dashboards and subscription terms. Setup and management may still require internal IT or vendor support, depending on how you structure the deployment.

Cisco’s model simplifies certain tasks, but it doesn’t eliminate them. You still coordinate deployments, track renewals, and navigate a patchwork of tools built through acquisitions.

Meter takes a different path. One provider handles the full stack—design, install, hardware, ISP negotiation, updates, and support—under a single subscription. There’s no gear to manage, no vendors to chase, and no guesswork. It’s everything NaaS is supposed to be.

How does Cisco’s NaaS work?

Cisco’s NaaS operates through a mix of cloud-based services—Meraki for branch networking, Nexus for data centers, and other tools under the Cisco+ umbrella. Hardware is often owned and managed by Cisco or its partners, and the network runs on a subscription model.

The services are modular. That means customers can choose what they need, but may also need to manage different service plans, dashboards, and billing structures. Many of the platforms come from acquisitions, so they aren’t always fully aligned.

The benefit is flexibility. The trade-off is complexity, especially for teams that don’t want to spend time coordinating tools or vendors.

The Pros of Cisco’s Network as a Service

Cisco has a large partner network and a long track record in enterprise networking. If your business already uses Cisco tools, the system may feel familiar. Dashboards like Meraki and Nexus offer solid visibility and control, and centralized, cloud-based management can reduce some hands-on work.

Support is available through Cisco TAC and partners, though response times and quality may vary. For teams already trained on Cisco systems—or tied to existing contracts—the learning curve is lower.

The model works best if you’re already inside the Cisco ecosystem. It adds modern features to a well-known platform, but doesn’t fully replace the effort needed to run the network.

The Drawbacks

Cisco’s NaaS still puts a lot of work and costs on the customer.

Cisco’s NaaS simplifies some tasks, but it still leaves gaps. Customers often need to manage their own setup, coordinate with partners, and track multiple subscriptions tied to different services.

The platform spans tools like Meraki, Nexus, and SASE—each built separately and integrated after the fact. Switching between them can slow teams down and complicate troubleshooting. Support is available, but it may come from Cisco or third-party vendors, depending on the service.

Pricing can also be unclear. Custom quotes, layered fees, and product-specific licenses make it harder to forecast total costs, while upgrade cycles or facility expansions still require upfront hardware investments.

Cisco reduces some workload—but not all. Running the network still takes planning, integration, and active oversight.

Because Cisco relies on its vendors to act as intermediaries who own the hardware and software, it's the local providers who provide your company with whatever NaaS options they've decided to use. That means you’ll get a less unified customer experience, especially if your business operates from multiple locations. 

Cisco NaaS does offer some flexibility

Cisco’s NaaS offers flexibility through a modular structure. You can subscribe to the pieces you need, like Meraki for wireless access or Secure Connect for remote work, without committing to a full system overhaul. That works well for teams already trained on Cisco or tied into Cisco’s ecosystem.

Centralized dashboards like Meraki and Nexus offer visibility across sites and services. And Cisco’s partner network gives customers options for local support and industry-specific configurations.

But modular delivery has limits. Each service may come with its own dashboard, subscription, and vendor relationship. That makes management more complex compared to a unified model. It may be more suitable to call Cisco a subscription-based, provider-managed network model rather than a NaaS.

Meter’s end-to-end solution avoids that by delivering the full network, hardware, setup, support, and upgrades, through a single provider and subscription.

What is Meter, exactly?

Meter is a true Network as a Service provider. That means you get it all—hardware, software, setup, support, and updates as one full-service solution.

You don’t buy routers. You don’t renew licenses. You don’t build the network or monitor it yourself. Meter owns the full stack and runs it for you, all for one monthly, annual, or upfront price based on square footage.

You still control your network—who can access what, how it’s used, what’s blocked—but Meter handles it all behind the scenes. It’s a clean break from the traditional model, where you have to manage vendors, buy gear, and pay for outside support.

Meter designs its own hardware, including access points, switches, security appliances, and power units, so that every piece works together.

The system is installed by Meter or its partners. You just share your address and floor plan. From there, the network is end-to-end, live monitoring, upgrades, hardware replacements, and performance tuning are all built in.

The dashboard gives you full visibility. It’s fast, modern, and simple to use—no outdated interfaces, no flipping between tabs to find what matters. Updates happen automatically. Security patches, performance tweaks, and firmware changes roll out with zero input needed from your team.

Support is hands-on and proactive. Meter’s systems autonomously monitors performance and handles issues before they impact users. SLAs are built in, and you get fast responses, not generic ticket queues.

If you relocate or scale, Meter handles it. No surprise fees. No major rework. Just a consistent network experience that grows with you.

In short, Meter gives you a business-grade network with zero overhead. You get control where it matters, and freedom from the parts that slow you down.

Why Meter is the better choice

Cisco’s Network as a Service improves some parts of network delivery—but it still comes with complexity. Services are split across tools, subscriptions, and partner channels. That structure can work for teams already using Cisco, but it’s not built for simplicity.

Meter is. It’s a full-service NaaS provider that handles hardware, setup, support, and management under one subscription. No fragmented dashboards. No vendor coordination. No license managing. Just one system designed to work from day one.

Key features of Meter Network include:

• Vertically integrated: Meter-built access points, switches, security appliances, and power distribution units work together to create a cohesive, stress-free network management experience.
• Managed experience: Meter provides proactive user support and done-with-you network management to reduce the burden on in-house networking teams.
• Hassle-free installation: Simply provide an address and floor plan, and Meter’s team will plan, install, and maintain your network.
• Software: Use Meter’s purpose-built dashboard for deep visibility and granular control of your network, or create custom dashboards with a prompt using Meter Command.
• Flexible pricing: Instead of investing upfront in equipment, Meter charges a simple monthly, annual, or upfront fee based on your square footage. When it’s time to upgrade your network, Meter provides complimentary new equipment and installation.
• Easy migration and expansion: As you grow, Meter will expand your network with new hardware or entirely relocate your network to a new location free of charge.

To learn more, schedule a demo with Meter.