NaaS vs Traditional Networks: Complete UK Guide

Published: 20 August 2025 | Reading time: 13 minutes

Why Network Infrastructure is at a Crossroads

The way organisations approach networking is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Traditional hardware-based networks, once the backbone of enterprise IT, are struggling to meet modern demands for cloud connectivity, remote work support, and rapid scalability.

This shift has sparked intense interest in Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) as an alternative to traditional networking approaches. But what exactly is the difference, and when does each approach make sense?

This guide examines the fundamental differences between NaaS technology and traditional networking, exploring practical implications for UK organisations, particularly those in the public sector and healthcare where compliance, security, and budget considerations add complexity to networking decisions.

Traditional Networks: Strengths and Limitations

How Traditional Networking Works

Traditional network infrastructure follows a capital expenditure model where organisations purchase, own, and maintain physical networking equipment - routers, switches, firewalls, and other appliances installed in data centres and connected to create network infrastructure.

Where Traditional Networks Excel:

• Predictable costs once initial investment is made

• Complete control over every aspect of network infrastructure

• No internet dependency for core operations

• Mature ecosystem of tools, training, and expertise

Where Traditional Networks Struggle:

• Scalability constraints: Adding capacity requires purchasing and installing new hardware (months)

• High upfront costs: Substantial capital expenditure requirements

• Skills shortage: Specialised expertise increasingly difficult to find and retain

• Security complexity: Multiple devices requiring individual updates and patches

• Cloud integration challenges: Poor connectivity to modern cloud services

• Maintenance overhead: Significant ongoing effort for hardware and software management

What is NaaS Technology and How Does it Work?

Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) represents a fundamental shift from hardware ownership to service consumption. Rather than purchasing and maintaining physical network equipment, organisations access networking capabilities through a cloud-based service model.

Core NaaS Principles

Software-Defined Foundation: NaaS builds on software-defined networking (SDN) principles, where network functions are virtualised and controlled through software rather than embedded in physical hardware.

Cloud-Native Architecture: NaaS platforms seamlessly connect on-premises infrastructure, public clouds, and edge locations through a unified platform that treats all locations as part of a single, software-defined network.

Service-Based Consumption: Instead of buying network equipment, organisations subscribe to networking services - connectivity, security functions, monitoring, and management delivered as integrated services.

Centralised Management: NaaS platforms provide unified visibility and control across all network locations through web-based portals or APIs.

Key Technological Components

• Network Function Virtualisation (NFV): Software-based virtual network functions replace hardware appliances

• SD-WAN Integration: Intelligent traffic routing and application-aware quality of service

• Cloud Connectivity: Native integration with major cloud platforms for optimised connections

• Security Integration: Built-in security functions rather than separate bolt-on solutions

• Analytics and Observability: Real-time visibility into network performance and security

At Cloud Gateway, our tech-enabled MSP approach means customers get the benefits of NaaS while choosing how much direct control they want versus how much they delegate to our expert team.

NaaS vs Traditional Networks: Complete Analysis

Cost Models and Financial Impact

Traditional Network Costs:

• Large upfront capital expenditure requirements

• Ongoing maintenance and support contracts

• Dedicated staffing or expensive consultants

• Regular hardware refresh cycles

• Additional costs for upgrades and expansions

NaaS Cost Models:

• Predictable monthly or annual subscription costs

• OPEX-centric pricing model

• Flexible commercial terms and short contract terms

• No vendor lock-in

• Included platform access, support, and regular updates

For UK public sector organisations operating under tight budget constraints, the predictable OpEx model of NaaS aligns well with annual budget cycles and eliminates the need for large capital approvals.

Scalability and Deployment Speed

Traditional Networks:

• Adding sites: Weeks or months for procurement, installation, configuration

• Bandwidth changes: Hardware upgrades or additional circuits

• Total deployment: 3-6 months typical timeline

NaaS Platforms:

• Adding sites: Deploy edge device and update configurations (days)

• Bandwidth changes: Portal updates taking effect immediately

• Total deployment: 4-8 weeks typical timeline

Security and Compliance

Traditional Networks:

• Individual device configuration and maintenance

• Manual security updates across multiple devices

• Complex compliance documentation and audits

NaaS Platforms:

• Centralised security policy enforcement

• Automatic platform-wide security updates

• Built-in compliance reporting and audit trails

For UK organisations, NaaS platforms typically provide superior compliance capabilities, particularly valuable for NHS Digital standards, PSN requirements, and financial services regulations.

NaaS vs Other Modernisation Approaches

NaaS vs DIY SD-WAN Deployment

Many organisations consider implementing SD-WAN themselves rather than consuming it through a NaaS platform.

DIY SD-WAN Challenges:

• Complexity: Requires specialised skills in software-defined networking

• Security gaps: SD-WAN provides networking but requires separate security solutions

• Management overhead: Continuous monitoring, policy adjustment, troubleshooting

• Limited support: Vendors provide technical support but not operational guidance

NaaS Advantage:

• Expert deployment with proven methodologies

• Integrated security from day one

• 24/7 monitoring and proactive management

• Vendor-neutral approach reducing lock-in

NaaS vs Direct from Telcos

Traditional telecommunications providers offer networking services that may appear similar to NaaS but differ significantly.

Telco Limitations:

• Innovation constraints: Slow adoption of new technologies

• Rigid contracts: Long-term commitments with limited flexibility

• Limited cloud integration: Basic connectivity without deep platform integration

• Service gaps: Connectivity focus without comprehensive platform capabilities

NaaS Platform Benefits:

• Faster innovation incorporating latest technologies

• Flexible commercial terms supporting business agility

• Deep cloud platform integration

• Comprehensive platforms combining connectivity, security, and management

NaaS vs MSP: Understanding the Difference

Traditional MSPs manage customer-owned equipment, while tech-enabled MSPs combine platform capabilities with managed services.

Traditional MSP Constraints:

• Hardware dependency limiting new capabilities

• Reactive service model responding after problems occur

• Limited integration across networking, security, and cloud functions

• Scalability constrained by physical infrastructure

Tech-Enabled MSP Evolution: Cloud Gateway represents this new category, combining:

• Platform-first architecture enabling rapid scaling

• Integrated networking, security, and cloud connectivity

• Proactive monitoring and optimisation

• Choice between self-service and managed options