What is LAN-as-a-Service (LANaaS)?

Tight resources and high stakes can lead to local area network (LAN) management being more difficult to navigate than originally planned.

Large enterprises must not only transform hefty capital expenditures into manageable operational costs but also help maintain a scalable, secure, and easily manageable network.

Enter LAN-as-a-Service (LANaaS), a solution that revolutionizes network management by shifting the burden to specialized providers. LANaaS provides a solution designed to meet the evolving needs of contemporary businesses.

This article details:

• What LANaaS is
• The key components of LANaaS
• Its benefits
• Organizations that might use it
• How LANaaS works
• How Meter simplifies the process

What is LAN-as-a-Service?

LAN-as-a-Service (LANaaS) is a modern approach to managing local area networks (LANs) by outsourcing the entire setup, management, and maintenance to a service provider.

It transforms network management from a capital expenditure (CapEx) to an operational expense (OpEx), providing businesses with scalable, secure, and professionally managed network solutions without the need for substantial upfront investment in hardware and technical expertise.

Key components of LANaaS

A successful LANaaS deployment involves several essential components that work together to provide the efficient and secure operation of a business's local area network.

These components provide the foundation for a comprehensive network solution tailored to modern business needs.

Below are the core elements that constitute a resilient LANaaS offering:

Network hardware

Service providers supply and manage all necessary network hardware, including routers, switches, and wireless access points.

The hardware is designed to work in harmony with the provider's software, providing consistent performance and easy management. Additional enhancements can include:

• Integration of IoT devices: Expanding the hardware portfolio to include IoT devices caters to businesses with advanced automation needs.
• Customizable hardware configurations: Offering customizable hardware setups helps businesses tailor their network infrastructure to their unique requirements.
• Regular hardware upgrades: Implementing a schedule for regular hardware upgrades makes it so businesses always have access to the latest technology without needing to replace equipment themselves.

Software management

LANaaS includes network management software that allows for real-time monitoring, configuration, and optimization.

The software provides valuable insights into network performance, enabling proactive management and quick resolution of issues. Key improvements can involve:

• AI-driven analytics: Incorporating AI and machine learning for predictive analytics enhances proactive network management.
• User-friendly dashboards: Improving the user interface of network management software makes it easier for non-technical staff to understand and manage network performance.
• Integrated third-party applications: Allowing integration with popular third-party business applications provides a more comprehensive management solution.

Security

Security features are integrated into the LANaaS offering, including firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and regular updates to safeguard against vulnerabilities.

These measures keep the network secure from potential threats without needing constant oversight from the business's internal IT team. Enhancements include:

• Adaptive security measures: Enacting adaptive security measures that evolve with new threats provides stronger protection.
• Advanced threat intelligence: Using advanced threat intelligence and real-time threat detection further enhances network security.
• Compliance with global standards: Ensuring compliance with global security standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) appeals to international businesses with specific regulatory requirements.

Support

Providers typically deliver 24/7 technical support and maintenance services, promptly addressing any issues. Constant availability of technical support minimizes downtime, keeping the network operational and efficient.

Immediate response to technical problems helps maintain smooth network performance, allowing businesses to avoid interruptions and focus on their core activities.

Enhancements include:

• Proactive maintenance services predict and resolve issues before they impact the network, which further reduces downtime.
• Multi-channel support options through various channels, including live chat, email, and phone, enhance the customer support experience.
• Knowledge base and self-service tools empower customers to solve common issues independently.

Benefits of LANaaS

LAN-as-a-Service (LANaaS) provides numerous advantages that enhance network management and operational efficiency.

Outsourcing LAN management to specialized service providers allows businesses to focus on their core activities while enjoying a durable, secure, and scalable network infrastructure.

Cost-efficiency

LANaaS eliminates the need for significant upfront investments in network hardware and infrastructure. Businesses pay a subscription fee, spreading the costs over time and aligning expenses with operational budgets.

Converting capital expenditures into operational expenditures enhances financial flexibility and predictability.

Future-proofing

Network needs evolve as businesses grow.

LANaaS offers the flexibility to scale network resources up or down based on current requirements. Such scalability guarantees that the network can accommodate growth without requiring extensive reconfiguration or additional hardware purchases.

Businesses can quickly adapt to changing demands, avoiding the delays and costs associated with traditional network expansion.

Expert management

Professional management by experienced service providers makes certain that the network is always optimized for performance and security. Leveraging the latest technologies and best practices, service providers offer a level of expertise that might be difficult and costly to maintain in-house.

Proactive monitoring, regular updates, and rapid issue resolution contribute to a reliable and high-performing network.

Reduced complexity

Delegating network management to a service provider simplifies the upkeep of LAN infrastructure. Internal IT resources are freed from routine network tasks, enabling them to concentrate on strategic initiatives.

Simplifying network management enhances operational efficiency and reduces the risk of errors and downtime associated with maintaining the network in-house.

Enhanced security

Advanced security features are built into LANaaS, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular updates to protect against vulnerabilities. These security measures ensure the network remains secure from potential threats without requiring constant oversight from the business's internal IT team.

Nonstop security updates and proactive threat management uphold a strong defense against cyber threats.

Reliability and uptime

Steady availability of technical support minimizes downtime, making certain the network remains operational and efficient. Immediate response to technical problems keeps network performance smooth, allowing businesses to avoid interruptions and focus on their core activities.

Simplified compliance

It can be a challenge to meet regulatory and compliance requirements.

LANaaS providers often include compliance management as part of their service, verifying that the network adheres to industry standards and regulations. Such an approach significantly reduces the workload on internal teams and minimizes the risk of non-compliance penalties.

Businesses can rely on LANaaS providers to handle compliance issues, allowing them to maintain regulatory adherence with less effort and increased confidence.

Access to the latest technology

A business must keep pace with its technological advancements to maintain a competitive edge.

LANaaS providers invest in the latest network technologies and innovations, certifying that businesses have access to cutting-edge solutions without the need for continuous internal investment.

Enhanced business operations result from improved performance, heightened security, and increased functionality that these advanced technologies offer.

Who uses LANaaS?

A diverse range of organizations can each benefit from the unique advantages in network management and performance that LANaaS can bring.

Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs)

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) benefit significantly from LANaaS due to reduced costs and expert management. These businesses can maintain a high-performance network that supports their operations and growth without needing a large IT team.

The subscription-based model allows SMBs to access advanced network technologies and professional management, making it easier to scale and adapt to changing business needs.

Enterprises

Larger enterprises use LANaaS for branch offices and remote locations to warrant consistent network performance and security across all sites. This approach allows enterprises to efficiently manage multiple locations and maintain a unified network infrastructure.

By leveraging LANaaS, enterprises can achieve standardized network management practices, ascertaining that all branches operate under the same high standards of performance and security.

Educational institutions

Schools, colleges, and universities utilize LANaaS to provide reliable and secure network access for students, faculty, and administrative staff. The scalability of LANaaS allows educational institutions to accommodate varying network demands, such as increased usage during peak times. 

Additionally, professional management confirms that the network remains secure and compliant with relevant regulations.

Healthcare facilities

Healthcare providers, including hospitals and clinics, rely on LANaaS to maintain stout and secure networks integral to patient care and administrative functions. The security features of LANaaS, such as intrusion detection and regular updates, are crucial in protecting sensitive patient data.

The managed service model also allows healthcare facilities to focus on their primary mission of patient care while ensuring that their network infrastructure is reliable and up to date.

Retail businesses

Retailers use LANaaS to support their point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and customer Wi-Fi services. A stable and secure network is critical for processing transactions and managing inventory in real time.

LANaaS providers offer the necessary infrastructure and support to keep retail operations running smoothly, even during high-traffic periods.

Financial services

Banks and other financial institutions benefit from the enhanced security and compliance features of LANaaS. Organizations like these require stringent security measures to protect financial data and comply with regulatory standards.

LANaaS providers offer robust security protocols and compliance management, reducing the burden on internal IT teams and safeguarding financial networks.

How does LANaaS work?

Understanding the process of LAN-as-a-Service (LANaaS) is necessary for businesses considering such a modern approach to network management.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of how LANaaS typically operates:

• Assessment: The service provider begins by evaluating the business’s network requirements to tailor the LANaaS solution and identify any existing challenges.
• Installation: Professional installation of network hardware and software ensures the network is set up correctly, from cabling to device configuration.
• Management: The provider persistently monitors and manages the network, applying updates, optimizing performance, and addressing any issues that arise.
• Support: Ongoing technical support and troubleshooting provide businesses with expert assistance to quickly and efficiently resolve network problems.

Additional steps in LANaaS may include:

• Customization: Providers offer customization options to align the network infrastructure with the specific operational needs of the business, enhancing functionality and performance.
• Security implementation: Advanced security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, are integrated during setup to protect the network from potential threats from the outset.
• Training and onboarding: Comprehensive training and onboarding sessions ensure that the business’s staff can effectively utilize the network management tools and understand basic troubleshooting steps.
• Regular reporting: Regular performance and security reports are provided to the business, offering insights into network usage, potential issues, and areas for improvement.

Next steps: Network installation and management made simple by Meter

Meter offers LAN-as-a-Service (LANaaS) as part of its broader Network as a Service (NaaS) offering. We provide an all-in-one solution that includes premium hardware, cloud-based software, and fully managed operations. Our service is designed to efficiently and securely set up and scale local networks.

Plus, we can also support your network engineers so that they can handle bigger networks.

Meter's NaaS encompasses several key components:

• Network hardware: At Meter, we supply and manage all necessary network hardware, including security appliances, switches, and wireless access points, all designed and manufactured in-house for uninterrupted integration and optimal performance.
• Software management: The Meter Dashboard offers a unified interface for managing network security, visibility, and enterprise controls, featuring DNS security, VPN, network insights, and real-time alerting and monitoring.
• Security: Rugged security measures are integrated into our service, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and perpetual updates to protect your network from potential threats and verify compliance with industry standards.
• Support and maintenance: We provide ongoing technical support and maintenance, minimizing downtime and guaranteeing efficient network operations through proactive monitoring and troubleshooting.
• Installation and deployment: Meter handles the complete installation process, from network design to deployment and ongoing management, including ISP procurement, hardware provisioning, and low-voltage cabling for a seamless setup.
• Scalability and flexibility: Our service is designed to scale efficiently with growing businesses, offering multi-site management and elastic scalability to expand network infrastructure effortlessly and seamlessly.

Schedule a personalized demo with Meter to see how it all works.