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What is Network as a Service

Source: https://www.wte.net/What-is-Network-as-a-Service-Updated
Date: July 2022
Author: Eric Garrison

Networks Reinvented

The article opens by addressing challenges faced by small to medium-sized businesses lacking dedicated IT departments. Existing IT teams face pressure to accomplish more with constrained budgets and limited personnel. In-house networks often reach their operational limits, causing downtime and escalating support expenses.

A critical vulnerability exists: when networks fail, dependent systems like VoIP phone systems also go offline. Business growth and contraction require constant network equipment management, consuming resources that could support strategic initiatives. Enterprise WAN infrastructure demands significant investment in connectivity, security, personnel, and maintenance.

With bandwidth demands increasing from streaming applications and cloud services, businesses are increasingly considering Network as a Service as a replacement for traditional in-house infrastructure.

NaaS Definition

"NaaS packages networking resources, services, and applications as a product purchased for X users for a period of Y time." Third-party providers like CBTS deliver managed networks for organizations unable or unwilling to build expensive internal infrastructure.

NaaS operates as a cloud service model. Data transmission relies on two primary frameworks: the OSI model and TCP/IP protocol suite.

What is the OSI Model?

The Open Systems Interconnection model describes seven-layer data transmission:

  • Application: HTTP as primary protocol
  • Presentation: Data translation; HTTPS encryption/decryption occurs here
  • Session: Controls connections between computers
  • Transport: TCP and UDP manage data transmission and service quality
  • Network: IP and ICMP route data between networks
  • Data Link: Ethernet manages device communications
  • Physical: Converts data packets into electrical, radio, or optical signals

The TCP/IP alternative uses four layers instead of seven, combining OSI's physical and data link functions into a single "Network Access" layer.

NaaS Transformation

NaaS from providers like CBTS offers cost-effective scalability compared to maintaining internal networks. Services include:

  • 24/7/365 monitoring, management, and support
  • Instant upgrade capabilities across connection types
  • Single location or multi-branch office connectivity
  • Cloud integration
  • Security, switching, and Wi-Fi management
  • SD-WAN (software-defined wide area networking) capabilities