Network as a Service (NaaS): A Guide to the Concept, Features and Providers in the Market
NaaS continues to receive significant buzz, but is it a transformative reality or just marketing hype? In this report, we define NaaS, dispel common myths and examine several offerings, including Meter, a recent addition to our analysis.
What is Network as a Service (NaaS)?
Let's start by defining what NaaS is and what it isn't.
Gartner defines NaaS as: "A delivery model for network functionality as a service, which includes the following capabilities:
- Self-service capability
- On-demand usage
- Ability to scale up and down
- Billed on an OPEX model
- Consumption-based, via a metered metric such as ports, bandwidth or users (not based on network devices/appliances)
NaaS offerings may include elements such as network switches, routers, gateways and firewalls."
Gartner predicted that adoption of NaaS would increase from less than 1 percent of organizations in 2021 to 15 percent by 2024. While 2024 didn't see that full 15 percent adoption, interest in NaaS models has continued into 2025 and we expect it to remain an area of interest in 2026.
Where can NaaS be applied?
NaaS models can be applied in several areas of the enterprise connectivity architecture — essentially anywhere there's a network service. This includes the data center, cloud networking, wide area networks (WAN), and campus and branch office network. This report focuses on campus, branch, WAN and cloud networking NaaS solutions.
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