The Complete Guide to Network as a Service

What Is Network as a Service (NaaS)?

Network as a Service (NaaS) is a subscription-based model that delivers networking capabilities—including connectivity, bandwidth, routing, and security—over the cloud. Instead of managing network hardware internally, businesses access managed infrastructure on demand from NaaS providers.

This model allows companies to:

• Replace CapEx-heavy infrastructure with OpEx flexibility
• Scale bandwidth and services up or down as needed
• Shift management complexity to a trusted partner
• Stay current with emerging technologies without hardware refreshes

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Why Choose Network as a Service?

Core Problems NaaS Solves

• High upfront infrastructure costs: Routers, switches, and firewalls are expensive to procure and maintain.
• Lack of flexibility: Traditional networks can’t quickly adapt to remote work or cloud-first strategies.
• Security gaps: Legacy architectures often can’t enforce consistent policies across users and devices.
• Limited visibility: Without centralized tools, IT teams lack insight into traffic and usage trends.
• Complex operations: Managing multiple carriers, sites, and vendors strains internal teams.

Who Should Consider NaaS?

We often see NaaS as a strong fit for:

• Enterprises with distributed sites or hybrid workforces
• Organizations scaling globally or integrating acquisitions
• Companies seeking to offload infrastructure maintenance
• IT teams stretched thin by growing complexity
• Firms preparing for SD-WAN or SASE adoption

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Key Features of Network as a Service

Here’s what typically comes packaged in a NaaS offering:

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Implementation Insights

NaaS adoption isn’t plug-and-play—but with the right approach, it’s manageable and impactful.

Here’s what we’ve seen work best:

• Assess current infrastructure: Map out what’s on-prem and what can be offloaded.
• Start with a pilot site: Deploy NaaS in one branch or region to evaluate performance.
• Define service-level requirements: Not all vendors offer the same QoS or uptime guarantees.
• Plan for co-management: Decide which responsibilities stay in-house versus with the provider.
• Secure your edge: Ensure SASE or security integrations are factored in from the start.

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Network as a Service vs. Traditional Networks

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Common Challenges and Misconceptions About NaaS

• “It’s just SD-WAN with a new name”
  Not true—while SD-WAN is often part of NaaS, true NaaS includes management, security, and orchestration layers.
• “It’s only for large enterprises”
  Many SMBs benefit from NaaS by avoiding upfront infrastructure costs and freeing up limited IT resources.
• “We’ll lose control”
  Most providers offer customizable levels of control—many organizations gain control through visibility and automation.
• “It’s not secure”
  Leading NaaS vendors build in encryption, firewalling, and zero-trust principles by default.

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How to Choose the Right Network as a Service Partner

Look for vendors who:

• Offer flexible SLAs and contract terms
• Provide proof-of-concept trials or phased deployment
• Support global connectivity with consistent QoS
• Deliver robust analytics and proactive support
• Integrate security into the core of their offering

At ITBroker.com, we evaluate over 994 providers and narrow the list to what fits your needs—technical, financial, and strategic.

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NaaS Pricing Models

‍Pricing depends on factors like site count, service level agreements, bandwidth usage, and bundled services like SD-WAN or firewall.

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How ITBroker.com Finds the Right Provider for You

We act as your strategic network broker, not just a reseller. Our role:

• Unbiased discovery: We evaluate over 994 vetted providers globally.
• Tailored shortlists: You get 3–5 options aligned to your technical and commercial needs.
• Contract support: We negotiate fair terms and SLAs.
• Lifecycle guidance: We stay involved from POC to deployment and beyond.

Our take? NaaS is only as valuable as its execution—and we ensure yours is done right.

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FAQs About Network as a Service

Q: Is NaaS only for large global enterprises?
A: No. SMBs benefit from NaaS too—especially those with distributed teams or limited IT bandwidth.

Q: Can I integrate existing infrastructure into a NaaS model?
A: Often yes. Hybrid models are common, especially during transitional phases.

Q: How is NaaS different from managed network services?
A: NaaS is more flexible, subscription-based, and cloud-native—delivering dynamic scale and centralized visibility.

Q: What are the security risks of NaaS?
A: Leading providers embed zero-trust principles, encryption, and integrated threat detection.

Q: What’s the average time to deploy NaaS?
A: Timelines vary—some organizations can go live in 4–8 weeks depending on scope and complexity.