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On-demand network provisioning
Provision services through the Megaport Portal, API, or MCP server to make changes as your architecture evolves.
Megaport Network
Network as a Service for private, global connectivity.
Connect clouds, data centers, sites, applications, and infrastructure providers through one software-defined platform. Provision private paths in minutes, adjust bandwidth on demand, and manage a global network without waiting on traditional carrier timelines.
Overview
What is Network as a Service?
Network as a Service (NaaS) is a model for provisioning and managing network connectivity on demand over a prebuilt network instead of relying on manual carrier processes for every change. Megaport provides software-defined Network as a Service that lets organizations connect clouds, data centers, sites, applications, and service providers, then manage and adjust connectivity through the Portal, API, CLI, MCP, or Terraform.
Best for
Hybrid cloud, multicloud, data center interconnection, global WAN, distributed compute, AI, virtual network services, internet, and peering
Network model
Software-defined Network as a Service across a prebuilt global network
Provisioning
Portal, API, CLI, MCP, and Terraform workflows for real-time network deployment and changes
Connectivity
Private connections across clouds, data centers, sites, applications, infrastructure providers, and services
Benefits
Network as a Service, delivered in 60 seconds.
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Private network connectivity
Keep critical traffic on direct connections instead of relying only on the public internet.
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Global network reach
Reach clouds, data centers, and service providers across more than 1,200 Megaport-enabled locations.
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Scalable bandwidth
Choose the bandwidth you need, then scale connections up or down without rebuilding the network.
Why Megaport
Network as a Service built for global infrastructure.
Use a prebuilt global network and software-defined services to connect, route, and adapt infrastructure without rebuilding the network each time requirements change.
1,200+
Megaport-enabled locations
Reach clouds, data centers, and service providers across Megaport’s global network footprint.
Portal + API + CLI + MCP + Terraform
Software-defined provisioning
Build and change network services through self-service and automation workflows.
Layer 2 + Layer 3
Modular network services
Combine private Layer 2 connectivity with managed Layer 3 routing based on your architecture.
Cloud + data center + edge
One connectivity platform
Connect physical and virtual infrastructure through a common software-defined platform.
Products
Build with modular network services.
Megaport Port
Your physical access point to the Megaport Network, available in enabled data center locations around the world.
Learn moreVirtual Cross Connect (VXC)
A private Layer 2 connection from a Port, MCR, or MVE to another endpoint on the Megaport Network.
Learn moreMegaport Cloud Router (MCR)
A managed virtual router for Layer 3 connectivity between clouds, services, and physical locations.
Learn moreMegaport Virtual Edge (MVE)
On-demand hosting for virtual routers, SD-WAN gateways, and virtual firewalls from leading vendors.
Learn moreMegaport Internet
Dedicated internet connectivity that can be combined with BGP, static public IP addressing, high-availability designs, and optional DDoS protection in eligible locations.
Learn moreNAT Gateway
Route traffic between private cloud connections and the public internet while reducing the data-processing costs associated with traditional cloud NAT gateways.
Learn moreSolutions
Connect clouds, data centers, sites, and networks.
Megaport’s Network as a Service platform supports multiple connectivity architectures, from private cloud connections and multicloud routing to data center interconnection, global WAN, virtual network functions, and internet peering.
| Solution | What it connects | Best for | Megaport service |
|---|---|---|---|
Data Center to Cloud Connectivity | Enterprise infrastructure to public cloud providers | Private hybrid cloud connectivity | Private cloud on-ramps |
Cloud to Cloud | Multiple cloud providers | Private multicloud routing | Megaport Cloud Router |
Data Center Interconnection | Data centers and physical endpoints | Metro, inter-city, or global DCI | Private network connectivity |
Global WAN | Physical and virtual points of presence | Global backbone capacity and localized traffic | Megaport Network |
Network Functions Virtualization | Virtual network functions at the network edge | SD-WAN, routing, and firewalling | Megaport Virtual Edge |
Internet Exchange | Networks and internet exchanges | Direct peering | MegaIX, Extreme IX, and partner internet exchanges |
How it works
How does the Megaport Network work?
Start with physical or virtual access to the Megaport Network. From there, create the connections and routing services your architecture needs.
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Connect to the Megaport Network
Connect through a Megaport Port, MCR, MVE, IPsec Tunnel, or supported partner service. - 2
Add private connections
Add private VXCs to cloud on-ramps, data centers, services, or other network endpoints. - 3
Add routing or virtual network functions
Use MCR for Layer 3 routing or MVE when you need a vendor virtual network function. - 4
Adjust and automate
Adjust capacity, add destinations, and automate changes through the Portal, API, or Terraform.
Build the network around your infrastructure, then add or change connectivity as cloud, data center, application, and service requirements evolve.
Use cases
One provider for changing infrastructure.
Hybrid cloud
Connect on-premises and data center environments directly to one or more public clouds.
Learn moreMulticloud
Create private routing between cloud providers through a managed virtual router.
Learn moreGlobal backbone
Link data centers and points of presence across cities, countries, and continents.
Learn moreDistributed compute and AI
Connect CPU and GPU infrastructure to users, enterprise data, clouds, and storage through private paths.
Learn moreVirtual network services
Deploy SD-WAN, routing, and firewall functions without installing appliances in every location.
Learn moreInternet connectivity
Connect workloads to users and public services through dedicated internet access and peering, with DDoS protection and NAT where required.
Learn moreCompare
Network as a Service vs. traditional carrier networking
Both models provide network connectivity, but they differ in how services are provisioned, changed, and automated. NaaS uses a prebuilt network and software-defined workflows to make connectivity easier to deploy and adapt.
| Area | Network as a Service | Traditional carrier networking |
|---|---|---|
| Provisioning | Software-based provisioning through portals, APIs, CLI, and Infrastructure as Code | More dependent on manual carrier ordering and service processes |
| Deployment model | Uses services delivered over a prebuilt network | May depend on physical builds and disparate infrastructure |
| Change management | Connections and capacity can be adjusted as requirements change | Changes can involve longer carrier processes and less flexible service management |
| Automation | Supports API, CLI, and Terraform workflows | Typically relies more heavily on manual operational processes |
| Network design | Connect clouds, data centers, sites, and services through one software-defined platform | Connectivity may be managed across separate carrier services and infrastructure |
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is Network as a Service?
Network as a Service lets organizations provision and manage connectivity on a prebuilt global network. Enterprises can provision network services in real time through a web portal or Infrastructure as Code workflow instead of waiting for hardware or manual carrier processes for every change. With Megaport, customers can create connections, adjust bandwidth, and add services through software-defined workflows.
What are the benefits of Network as a Service?
Network as a Service can make network deployment and change management more flexible by providing software-defined access to a prebuilt network. With Megaport, organizations can provision private connectivity, adjust bandwidth, automate workflows, and connect clouds, data centers, sites, and services through one platform.
What is cloud networking?
Cloud networking applies cloud-style flexibility and software-based management to network connectivity. Megaport connects infrastructure, applications, and services across clouds, data centers, enterprise systems, storage, and users, with private network paths available through the Megaport Network.
What is multicloud networking?
Multicloud networking connects more than one cloud provider to support communication between applications, databases, APIs, storage, and other systems. Megaport Cloud Router and private Virtual Cross Connects can connect leading cloud providers and other services across the Megaport ecosystem.
What is private cloud connectivity?
Private cloud connectivity connects cloud services, data centers, enterprise environments, compute, and storage over private network paths. Megaport supports private connectivity to cloud providers including AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle, and other supported providers through the Megaport Network.
What is software-defined networking?
Software-defined networking separates network control and service management from fixed manual infrastructure processes. Megaport supports software-defined infrastructure through Portal, API, CLI, and Terraform workflows so services can be provisioned and changed programmatically.
Is Network as a Service the same as SD-WAN?
No. Network as a Service is a broader model for consuming and managing network connectivity as an on-demand service. SD-WAN is a technology used to manage and optimize connectivity across distributed sites. Megaport Virtual Edge can host supported SD-WAN gateways as part of a wider Megaport network architecture.
How does Network as a Service support multicloud environments?
Network as a Service can provide a common connectivity layer between cloud providers and other infrastructure. With Megaport, organizations can use private Virtual Cross Connects and Megaport Cloud Router to connect supported cloud environments without building a separate physical network for every cloud relationship.
Can Megaport connect multiple cloud providers?
Yes. Megaport Cloud Router and private Virtual Cross Connects can connect leading cloud providers and other services across the Megaport ecosystem. Typical use cases include cloud migrations, data replication, APIs, storage, databases, and distributed applications.
Do I need a physical Port to use Megaport?
Not for every service. Products such as Megaport Virtual Edge and Megaport Cloud Router with supported virtual access options can provide virtual entry points for some architectures. A physical Port is used when connecting customer equipment directly in an enabled data center.
Ready to get started?
Build private connectivity around your infrastructure.
Connect clouds, data centers, sites, applications, and services through one software-defined global network.