Network on demand is an umbrella term that describes a customizable network access and management model designed to be used on a scalable, as-needed basis. In practical terms, it allows businesses to provision and de-provision network services quickly, including bandwidth, security features and connections. These on-demand services can be added and adjusted dynamically in response to changing needs, creating an agile business network environment.
The origins of network on demand can be found in early research on phone networks, which ultimately led to the development of Software-Defined Networking (SDN). That study aimed to find a way to separate the control logic from physical switching to simplify the phone network control. This led to separating the control plane from the data plane more generally and in a broader range of network types, allowing centralized control and programmability. A practical standardized interface between network devices and a central controller was devised. Once an interface was available, software-based controllers were developed to control network devices. The concept of network on demand was born, and the evolution of several new network-related on-demand applications followed in rapid succession:
- Software-Defined Networking (SDN) was the first basic type of network on demand. In the years following its development, other forms took shape.
- Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) became the model for wide-area networks. Its dynamic path selection capability made the complexity of wide-area networks more manageable and improved their performance and security.
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) combines the customizable connectivity of on-demand networking with the dynamic capabilities of SD-WAN to provide secure access to network resources from any location.
- Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) is the newest and most advanced type of network on demand. This sophisticated cloud-based connectivity model is robust, allowing for replacing physical network infrastructure with a virtualized, secure and scalable subscription-based network service.
Network on demand benefits
Traditional network services are rigid and costly and carry many constraints in control and management. In contrast, network on demand simplifies networking and puts the enterprise back in control. There are many advantages:
- Flexibility: As a consumption-based model, you only pay for services you use and dynamically allocate network capacity.
- Rapid scalability: On-demand networks can scale instantly with increases in bandwidth demand, for example. Networks can be adjusted to extend to new locations in minutes.
- Speed: Network on demand typically allows for fast speeds.
- Configurability: Self-service portals with robust user interfaces control the network. Network on demand can be quickly customized to meet changing business requirements.
- Cost efficiency: Fees are charged when services are active to help avoid over-provisioning. IT staff hours can be significantly reduced by simplifying controls.
- Rapid deployment: Services can be provisioned on the fly, allowing for dynamic adjustments and additions.
- Enhanced security: Network on demand delivers built-in encryption and redundancy, with some solutions including continuous threat monitoring and mitigation.
Why use network on demand?
Network on demand allows enterprises to fine-tune their network connections and pay as they go. For many reasons, it’s become a flexible, scalable, virtualized solution that has evolved into the go-to network infrastructure. Outsourcing the complexity of network management allows your team to focus on the core mission, essential for stimulating business innovation.
- Management: By controlling network functions with an intuitive, easy-to-use interface, network on demand broadens the number of team members in your enterprise who can assist in its management. Self-management is a key advantage of the service.
- Provisioning: New connections can be activated, and unneeded ones can be removed in minutes. Network on demand delivers quick, flexible provisioning of capacity and connections.
- Scalability: A consumption-based pay-as-you-go subscription model allows your network to scale with your business, conveniently and inexpensively. It’s easy to increase capacity as your business demands change.
- Reliability: Network downtime caused by component failure is virtually eliminated by network on demand. Reliability is enhanced with built-in redundancy, high-quality services and state-of-the-art features and tools.
- Security: 24/7 network monitoring and the automatic application of security updates and patches give the on-demand model a clear advantage over an on-premises physical network. Advanced security delivers enhanced network protection without the added internal IT labor costs.
Network on demand supports a multitude of uses and scenarios that require variable network capacity, such as:
- Cloud migrations
- Disaster recovery
- Event coverage
- Business startups
- Seasonal retail fluctuations
- Financial market events
- Healthcare management
Lumen is a leading provider of on demand services, supporting deployment and operations on the ultra-low-loss Lumen Network. Enhance your business agility and competitive edge with these revolutionary network services, all delivered in a simple pay-as-you-go model:
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This content is provided for informational purposes only and may require additional research and substantiation by the end user. In addition, the information is provided “as is” without any warranty or condition of any kind, either express or implied. Use of this information is at the end user’s own risk. Lumen does not warrant that the information will meet the end user’s requirements or that the implementation or usage of this information will result in the desired outcome of the end user. All third-party company and product or service names referenced in this article are for identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement or affiliation with Lumen. This document represents Lumen products and offerings as of the date of issue. Services not available everywhere. Lumen may change or cancel products and services or substitute similar products and services at its sole discretion without notice. ©2025 Lumen Technologies. All Rights Reserved.
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