What is Network as a Service? A Complete Guide for Businesses

Traditional on-premise network infrastructures are a growing liability for businesses. High upfront hardware installation costs, ongoing upgrades, and scalability limitations unnecessarily strain resources. They create operational inefficiencies wherein users waste time and money aligning outdated systems with modern needs.

Sticking to legacy systems may seem cost-effective in the short term, but it introduces significant yet preventable risks. Take downtime as an example. 43 percent of organizations suffer data loss due to outages, and the hourly cost of downtime ranges from $10,000 to $10,000,000.

You’ll need a more efficient approach to networking as your business grows, and this is where Network as a Service (NaaS) comes in. NaaS is a subscription-based cloud solution that provides on-demand access to networking resources. Learning to leverage NaaS enables you to focus on core responsibilities without getting bogged down by outdated infrastructure.

What Are the Business Applications of NaaS?

Adopting NaaS is a modern, strategic approach to network management. You’ll gain access to tailored networking applications that optimize operations and reduce congestion by transitioning from traditional on-premise infrastructure. This shift provides the flexibility and agility to respond to fluctuating business demands.

‍Key Business Applications of NaaS:‍

• Scalability on Demand: NaaS allows you to adjust network resources in real-time. You can scale up during peak periods and reduce capacity during slower times to maintain performance without spiking your overhead.
• Cost Efficiency: Adopting a subscription-based model reduces capital expenses on hardware installation and maintenance.
• Enhanced Security: NaaS providers implement advanced security protocols to safeguard businesses from cyber threats, significantly reducing the burden on in-house security teams. 
• Optimized Network Performance: NaaS facilitates efficient data flow and reduces network congestion to accelerate response times.
• Streamlined IT Operations: Internal IT teams can focus on strategic initiatives rather than day-to-day infrastructure maintenance by offloading network management tasks to NaaS providers.

How to Transition from Traditional Networks to NaaS

Adopting a NaaS model may seem complex, but a structured approach helps facilitate a seamless transition. Here’s a well-defined roadmap that outlines the process, from infrastructure assessments to ongoing monitoring.

1. Assess Current Network Infrastructure

Evaluate your existing network setup to pinpoint limitations and scalability issues. Knowing your current infrastructure’s strengths and weaknesses is critical in selecting NaaS solutions that align with your business needs. 

2. Define Business Objectives and Requirements

Clearly define your business goals (e.g., improving network performance, reducing overhead costs, or optimizing for scalability) for NaaS adoption. They’ll guide the overall direction of your transition. Each step should align with your strategic priorities and drive you toward your desired outcomes.

3. Evaluate Potential NaaS Providers

Research and select a NaaS provider that meets your objectives. Focus on favorable service-level agreements (SLAs), reliable monitoring, rigid security features, and compliance support.

4. Plan for a Phased Transition

Start by migrating non-critical systems to test the NaaS provider’s capabilities. Gradually expand to more critical systems as you validate each stage. A phased approach maintains operational continuity and mitigates the potential risks of a transition.

5. Ensure Comprehensive Security Measures

Security is paramount during any network transition. Verify that your NaaS provider employs end-to-end encryption, advanced firewalls, and routine security audits. These will maintain network integrity throughout the migration process.

6. Train IT Staff and End Users

Train your team on your network’s new management tools and best practices. They should be able to navigate the NaaS model effectively, manage potential bottlenecks, and troubleshoot minor issues. Comprehensive training also reduces the risk of human error during network operations.

7. Monitor and Optimize the Network

Your NaaS provider should continuously monitor your network after the transition. Advanced analytics tools can expose areas for improvement and suggest data-driven adjustments to your network. Maintain an agile, scalable, and capable infrastructure.

Advanced Network Management Techniques in NaaS

NaaS providers implement sophisticated network management techniques to handle the complexities of modern cloud-based infrastructures. They isolate traffic, manage multiple clients within the infrastructures, and enforce strict access controls. Knowing how these processes work will help you assess which NaaS provider is up to par.

1. Network Segmentation

Software-defined networking (SDN) creates and manages virtual network segments to facilitate precise, secure traffic control. Segmenting networks and isolating sensitive data reduces the risk of breaches. Businesses can also tailor network configurations based on operational needs, e.g., control traffic flow and secure traffic management.

2. Multi-Tenancy

Virtualization techniques such as VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) and VRF (Virtual Routing and Forwarding) support multiple tenants on the same infrastructure. They support logical separation and isolated operations for tenants. Proper implementation keeps your applications from coinciding with those of other organizations.

3. Isolation in a Cloud Environment

NaaS providers strictly isolate network segments and tenants using virtual firewalls, network access controls, and encryption. They regulate access and maintain secure separation by applying zero-trust principles. Strict isolation protects sensitive information, reduces security risks, and upholds compliance standards in multi-tenant environments.

Streamline Your NaaS Transition with Expert Guidance

NaaS is a powerful cloud service model that can transform your network strategy. You could offload networking almost entirely while maintaining an efficient, scalable infrastructure with the right approach. Find an efficient way to offload networking tasks.

Proper implementation can be a major roadblock, even with a detailed blueprint. The most effective solution is to partner with our managed network service experts at WZC Networking. We deliver AI-driven solutions, robust security protocols, and 24/7 support. Book a consultation today and see how we can elevate your network.