Network as a Service (NaaS): Flexible, secure and scalable

What is Network as a Service?

Network as a Service (NaaS) is a subscription-based model that provides networking capabilities, such as switches, routers, bandwidth, monitoring and security, as a fully managed on-premise service.

Instead of investing in your own network hardware and handling technical upkeep yourself, you gain access to an environment where deployment, configuration, updates, security and ongoing management are handled for you.

NaaS delivers flexible, reliable connectivity while keeping full control within your own environment.

Why choose subscription-based infrastructure?

With rising security demands and constantly changing capacity requirements, traditional network procurement often leads to overprovisioning, complex maintenance and high upfront investments.

Subscription-based networking offers a scalable alternative aligned with real-world operational pressures.

Benefits

• End-to-end security: integrated encryption, monitoring and Zero Trust Network Access.
• Always up to date: ongoing access to the latest network hardware and software updates.
• Flexible scaling: bandwidth, connectivity and hardware capacity can be increased or reduced as needed.
• Reduced complexity: installation, configuration, monitoring and lifecycle tasks are managed for you.
• Predictable monthly costs: no capital investments, just clear operational expenses.
• Optimised performance: tailored connectivity and bandwidth allocation.
• Supports corporate responsibility objectives: lifecycle management reduces waste and maximises reuse.

Potential challenges

• No hardware ownership: equipment must be returned at the end of the subscription.
• Contract periods may feel limiting depending on organisational priorities.
• Very specific or legacy network architectures may require custom solutions.
• Scaling parameters are defined in advance and match business growth expectations.

The infrastructure behind NaaS

A reliable NaaS model uses enterprise-grade networking hardware that meets demanding performance and security requirements. Solutions often include equipment from leading vendors, such as:

• Cisco
• Arista
• Fortinet
• HPE
• Juniper Networks
• Dell EMC

These platforms support a range of environments, from campus networks and remote offices to datacentres and hybrid cloud connectivity.

How the process works

Organisations often want clarity on how Network as a Service is delivered in practice. While each project is tailored to your network environment, most NaaS setups follow a similar lifecycle:

1. Assessment and requirements
   A detailed review of your current network environment, bandwidth needs, security standards and performance requirements.
2. Customisation and proposal
   Selection of networking hardware, contract duration and optional services such as monitoring, optimisation or extended security controls.
3. Deployment and configuration
   Network equipment is delivered, installed and configured on-site. Policies, VLANs, access controls and bandwidth allocation are set up to match your environment.
4. Ongoing management
   Monitoring, updates, troubleshooting, performance tuning and security patching are handled throughout the subscription term.
5. Scaling up or down
   Capacity and bandwidth can be adjusted within agreed parameters as business requirements evolve.
6. End-of-term renewal or return
   At the end of the subscription, hardware can be refreshed, upgraded or returned. Returned equipment undergoes secure, certified processing and data wiping where applicable.

This lifecycle model ensures secure, scalable and predictable network performance without the burden of traditional ownership. If you need short-term bandwidth, temporary networking capacity or want to test equipment in your environment before committing, network rental options can offer a practical starting point.

Circular Workplace: an Integrated lifecycle framework

NaaS can be part of the broader Circular Workplace, a framework designed to support the complete IT asset lifecycle. It helps organisations manage devices and infrastructure more effectively through:

• Full lifecycle management from deployment to secure retirement
• Options for new or refurbished networking hardware
• Access to premium brands with consistent availability
• Scalable, adaptable packages for different sites or teams
• A central portal with performance, usage and sustainability insights

Conclusion

Network as a Service provides a scalable, predictable and secure alternative to traditional networking models. With ongoing management, built-in security, flexible scaling and predictable costs, NaaS enables organisations to maintain high-performance connectivity without the complexity of owning network hardware.

Supported by a circular lifecycle framework, NaaS helps build efficient, resilient and future-ready networks.