NaaS Overview and Models

Overview

This lecture explains Network as a Service (NaaS), its models, how it relates to cloud computing, and outlines major service patterns.

Network as a Service (NaaS) provides computer networking technology as an integrated service for organizations.
NaaS is related to other "as-a-service" models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, and Software-Defined Networking (SDN).
Traditionally, NaaS described network transport services and resource optimization by treating computing and networking as a unified resource.

The rise of cloud computing expanded NaaS to connect enterprise resources across public and private clouds and multi-tenant data centers.
Modern NaaS supports new WAN (Wide Area Network) architectures, dynamic collaboration, and flexible network consumption models.

Connectivity cloud: Uses private networks to bypass public Internet congestion, supporting elastic, on-demand, and programmable WAN connectivity.
Connecting through the cloud: Multiple sites or systems connect via cloud-based network services, without needing IaaS.
Virtual Private Network (VPN): Extends private networks securely over public ones, allowing safe data transfer as if on a private network.
Virtual network operation: A provider builds/operates networks and sells access to third parties, often used by mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs).
Non-Internet connectivity: NaaS can manage connections like satellite transponder bookings, even without IP-based networking.

NaaS (Network as a Service) — The delivery of networking functions as a managed, integrated cloud service.
WAN (Wide Area Network) — A network that extends over a large geographical area, connecting remote sites.
VPN (Virtual Private Network) — Technology to securely connect private networks across public networks.
MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) — Wireless provider that sells network services without owning infrastructure.
API (Application Programming Interface) — A set of rules for connecting and interacting with software applications.