Network as a Service (NaaS) reshapes how businesses handle their ongoing network installation, upgrades, and maintenance to provide a more cost-efficient way with greater security measures.
NaaS is the answer for businesses that are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations without compromising performance.
What you’ll learn in this article:
- A deeper definition of NaaS
- How Network as a Service works
- Trends driving the early adoption of NaaS
- Network as a Service benefits
- Challenges and solutions a NaaS faces
- How to get started with NaaS
- Why Meter is the only NaaS solution provider you need
What is Network as a Service (NaaS)?
At Meter, we define Network as a Service (NaaS) as one solution for your hardware, software, installation, and ongoing network management that is much more than just a subscription model. Meter’s NaaS package also includes Internet service provider negotiations, network design for better scalability, and IT support to keep your network running at its top performance level.
Essentially, NaaS allows companies to get premium networking services without the need for significant capital investments in hardware and ongoing maintenance.
How NaaS works
NaaS operates on a subscription model, offering businesses the flexibility to scale network resources up or down based on their needs.
Providers manage the infrastructure, which includes everything from physical hardware to software, monitoring, and security. The arrangement allows companies to concentrate on their core operations, free from concerns about network performance or security issues.
Traditional networking vs. NaaS
In traditional networking models, businesses invest heavily in physical hardware, such as routers, switches, and firewalls, and employ a team to manage and maintain these resources.
Managing traditional networking models involves significant capital expenditure upfront and ongoing operational costs for maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting. Additionally, managing a complex network infrastructure in-house often demands considerable expertise and resources.
NaaS shifts this paradigm by offering network infrastructure as a service, similar to how cloud computing provides computing resources.
Instead of purchasing and maintaining physical hardware, businesses subscribe to NaaS, paying a recurring fee for the networking services they use. The NaaS provider owns, operates, and manages the network infrastructure, ensuring it is always up-to-date, secure, and performing optimally.
The development of NaaS
The evolution of NaaS is closely tied to the rise of cloud computing and virtualization technologies. As businesses increasingly moved to cloud-based solutions, the need for scalable, cost-effective network solutions became apparent.
Virtualization allowed for more flexible network configurations, leading to the development of NaaS as a service model that could dynamically adjust to changing business needs.
Trends driving NaaS adoption
Several trends are accelerating the adoption of NaaS:
Digital transformation
As companies digitize their operations, they require more flexible and scalable network solutions. The shift towards digital business models increases the demand for agile and adaptive network infrastructure that can support dynamic workloads and new digital services.
Remote work
The increase in remote work necessitates reliable and secure network access from various locations. With more employees working from home or other remote environments, businesses need networks that can securely and efficiently handle remote connections to guarantee productivity and data protection.
IoT growth
The proliferation of IoT devices demands networks that can handle diverse and substantial data traffic. IoT devices generate vast amounts of data and require serious connectivity solutions to process, analyze, and make use of this data. NaaS provides the scalability and flexibility needed to support the growing number of connected devices.
Cloud migration
Moving to cloud-based services requires scalable network infrastructure to maintain connectivity. Businesses are becoming increasingly reliant on cloud applications and storage and will, therefore, need networks that can integrate with cloud environments. NaaS helps manage this transition by offering scalable and adaptable network resources.
Benefits of NaaS
NaaS offers numerous benefits, including:
On-demand scalability
One of the key features of NaaS is its ability to provide on-demand scalability. Businesses can easily scale their network resources up or down based on their needs.
As an example, during peak business periods, a company can increase its network capacity to handle the additional traffic. Conversely, during slower periods, it can reduce its capacity to save costs.
Businesses can match their network expenses with their actual usage, optimizing their operational budgets through this flexibility.
Simplified network management
NaaS also simplifies network management. The provider handles all aspects of network operations, including configuration, monitoring, maintenance, and security, which frees up internal IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine network tasks.
Additionally, because NaaS providers typically offer comprehensive Service Level Agreements (SLAs), businesses can rely on guaranteed performance and uptime, enhancing their overall reliability and user experience.
Enhanced security
Security is another significant aspect of NaaS. Providers implement comprehensive security measures to protect the network infrastructure and the data transmitted over it. Advanced encryption, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and continuous monitoring for potential threats are implemented by providers like Meter to ensure durable network security.
Businesses can enhance their security posture without investing heavily in specialized security tools and personnel by leveraging the expertise of NaaS providers.
Support for digital transformation
NaaS supports the modern trend towards digital transformation. As businesses adopt more cloud-based applications and services, having a flexible and reliable network becomes even more important.
NaaS provides reliable connectivity to cloud services so that applications perform well and users have a consistent experience. Reliable connectivity to cloud services is essential for supporting remote work, IoT deployments, and other digital initiatives.
Challenges with NaaS
Despite its benefits, NaaS also presents some challenges:
Data security is important in a cloud-based working environment. To assist in this effort, businesses should do the following:
- Introduce advanced encryption protocols: Utilize strong encryption standards such as AES-256 to safeguard data both in transit and at rest. Encryption makes data unreadable to unauthorized users, providing a crucial layer of protection.
- Deploy Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS): Use IDPS to monitor network traffic for suspicious activities and potential threats. These systems can detect and prevent unauthorized access and attacks in real time.
- Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments: Schedule frequent audits and assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities. A proactive approach helps maintain a strong security posture and address potential weaknesses before they can be exploited.
Network performance monitoring is necessary to maintain optimal network performance. Businesses can enhance performance monitoring by:
- Using automated monitoring tools: Implement tools that provide real-time insights into network performance metrics such as latency, throughput, and packet loss. These tools enable immediate detection and resolution of issues.
- Setting up performance alerts: Configure automated alerts to notify IT staff of performance deviations. Prompt notifications allow for quick intervention and problem resolution.
- Regularly reviewing performance data: Conduct periodic reviews of performance data to identify trends and recurring issues. Use these insights to make informed adjustments to network configurations and improve overall performance.
Avoid vendor lock-in before becoming too dependent on a single NaaS provider. To mitigate the risk of vendor lock-in, businesses should:
- Opt for interoperability: Choose NaaS providers that support open standards and interoperability with other vendors. Flexibility allows for easier integration with existing systems and reduces dependency on a single provider.
- Develop a clear exit strategy: Create an exit strategy that includes data migration plans and contractual terms for transitioning away from the provider. A well-defined plan presents a smoother transition if switching providers becomes necessary.
Maintaining consistent and reliable service is necessary for smooth business operations. for reliability purposes, businesses should:
- Choose providers with Strong Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Select providers that offer robust SLAs with guaranteed uptime and performance metrics. SLAs provide a formal commitment from the provider to maintain specified service levels.
- Integrate redundant network design: Design the network with redundancy by using multi-path routing, failover mechanisms, and backup connections. Redundancy makes it so that network operations continue even if one path or connection fails.
- Consistently test failover mechanisms: Conduct regular tests of failover mechanisms to show they function correctly. Testing helps identify potential issues and verifies that failover systems are ready to take over during an outage.
How to get started with NaaS
Starting with NaaS involves several key steps:
Assess network needs
Evaluate your current network infrastructure and identify areas for improvement. Conduct a thorough analysis of your existing hardware, software, and network performance metrics to determine where enhancements are necessary.
Choose a reliable NaaS provider
Look for providers with a proven track record and comprehensive service offerings.
Evaluate potential providers based on their experience, customer reviews, service level agreements (SLAs), and the range of features they offer. Consider their ability to meet your specific requirements, such as scalability, security, and support.
Develop a transition plan
Create a detailed plan for transitioning to NaaS, including timelines and resource allocation. Outline each phase of the transition, from initial setup and testing to full deployment.
Identify key milestones and assign responsibilities to facilitate a smooth transition. Address potential challenges and develop contingency plans to mitigate risks.
Monitor and optimize
Continuously monitor network performance and make adjustments as needed to maintain optimal performance.
Use network monitoring tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as latency, throughput, and packet loss. Regularly review these metrics and adjust configurations to address any issues that arise.
Additionally, schedule periodic performance reviews to ensure the network remains aligned with your business objectives and can adapt to changing demands.
Integrate with existing systems
Verify the NaaS solution integrates with your existing IT infrastructure. Include compatibility with your current applications, databases, and other network services. Proper integration is essential for maintaining operational continuity and avoiding disruptions.
Provide training and support
Provide training for your IT staff and end-users to familiarize them with the new NaaS solution. Comprehensive training guarantees that your team can effectively manage and use the new network infrastructure.
Establish a support plan for troubleshooting and addressing any issues that arise during and after the transition.
Enact security protocols
Security protocols should be put in place to protect your network and data.
Configuring firewalls to block unauthorized access, setting up access controls to manage who can access specific resources, and using encryption to secure data in transit and at rest are needed security measures.
Such measures are necessary to safeguard sensitive information and maintain the integrity of your network.
Ensure compliance
Verify that your NaaS provider adheres to all relevant industry regulations, standards, and acts, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), to avoid legal and regulatory issues.
Discuss with your provider how they implement these regulations, including data protection measures, audit trails, and breach notification processes.
Regularly review their compliance reports and conduct independent audits if necessary for ongoing adherence to these standards.
Plan for scalability
Plan for future scalability to accommodate business growth. Your NaaS solution should easily expand to meet increased demand without significant reconfiguration or downtime. Discuss scalability options with your provider to understand how the network can grow with your business.
Establish performance benchmarks and metrics
Establish performance benchmarks and metrics to measure the success of the NaaS implementation. Continue to review these benchmarks to evaluate the network's performance and identify areas for improvement. Use these insights to make data-driven decisions and optimize the network over time.
Next steps: Introducing Meter, your all-in-one NaaS solution
Meter stands out as a top choice for Network as a Service (NaaS) due to its comprehensive services and scalable solutions. Meter’s NaaS model is designed to scale with your business, offering flexible, cost-effective solutions without the need for extensive in-house resources.
Plus, Meter allows your existing network engineers to manage much bigger networks by helping you streamline the daily operations.
Here’s why Meter is an excellent option for businesses:
- All-in-one solution: Meter covers everything from custom hardware (like access points and switches) to software and ongoing network management, providing a turnkey solution.
- Adaptability: Our services can easily scale to meet the needs of growing businesses, offering elastic network capacity and future-proof technology.
- Enhanced security: Advanced security features like strong encryption, intrusion detection and prevention, and regular security audits protect your network against threats.
- User-friendly dashboard: Our intuitive Meter Dashboard simplifies network management with real-time monitoring, comprehensive analytics, and easy configuration.
- End-to-end support: Meter handles every aspect of your network infrastructure, from network design and installation to continuous maintenance, so your team can focus on strategic initiatives.
- Future-proof technology: Our infrastructure is built to accommodate future technological advancements, allowing easy integration of new devices and applications.
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