Network-as-a-Service bundles most of what you'd otherwise buy and manage piece by piece. Here's what almost always comes standard, what's typically an add-on, and the questions that tell you which is which for any provider.
| What it covers | Status in a typical NaaS package | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | Switches, access points, controllers — provider-owned, not purchased by you | ✓ Included |
| Design & survey | RF planning, coverage design, scoping for your sites | ✓ Included |
| Installation | Device install, configuration, turn-up; cabling coordinated | ✓ Included |
| Management portal | Cloud dashboard for visibility across all sites | ✓ Included |
| Monitoring & support | 24/7 monitoring, alerting, and support with response targets | ✓ Included |
| Updates & refresh | Firmware/software updates and hardware refresh over the term | ✓ Included |
| Network security | Access control and segmentation at the network layer | ✓ Usually included (basic) |
| Advanced security | Next-gen firewall, ZTNA, SASE, threat filtering | Optional / add-on |
| Connectivity (ISP) | Internet circuits and carrier/ISP management | Optional (included by some, e.g. Meter) |
| SD-WAN | Intelligent multi-site routing and WAN policy | Optional / add-on |
| Cellular failover | 4G/5G backup connectivity for resilience | Optional / add-on |
| Physical cabling | New low-voltage cable runs and structured wiring | Often separate |
| Uptime SLAs | Guaranteed availability and redundancy tiers | Tier-dependent |
| Compliance | HIPAA / PCI / SOC 2 controls and reporting support | Optional / add-on |
It varies by provider. The biggest differences live at the edges — connectivity, advanced security, and SLAs. Meter, for example, tends to include ISP management; security-first providers like Nile build more of the security layer in. That's exactly the kind of line-item an advisor maps out before you sign.
That's the job. An independent NaaSAdvisor advisor maps your requirements to what each provider includes — so you're not paying for add-ons you don't need, or surprised by ones you do. No cost to you, no obligation.
We'll break down what's included, what's optional, and what it should cost — across every major provider.