• Blog

Cloud-native WANs explained

Cloud-native WANs are an all-in-one service that delivers wide area networking capabilities from the cloud, without on-site infrastructure or manual setup.

They combine key cloud-based technologies like SD-WAN, SASE, ZTNA and FWaaS into a single managed service, designed for businesses that rely heavily on remote users and cloud apps.

In this article, we’ll break down what cloud-native WANs are, how they work, and why more businesses are making the switch.

Contents:

• What are cloud-native WANs?
• Benefits of cloud-native WANs
• Key attributes of cloud-native WANs
• Cloud-native WAN implementations
• Cloud-native WAN providers
• Migrations into cloud-native WANs

What are cloud-native WANs?

A cloud-native WAN is an all-in-one wide area network service delivered remotely to a business or organisation.

It’s designed to connect branch offices, remote workers, cloud applications, and data centres securely and efficiently.

Your business simply defines its networking needs and everything else (e.g. backend, configuring policies, configuring hardware) is handled by the provider via a centralised web interface or app.

They are often referred to as a “WAN-as-a-Service” due to their subscription-based model and plug-and-play deployment. This makes them ideal for modern businesses seeking quick installations and immediate connectivity, allowing them to focus their resources on core operations.

A typical cloud-native WAN combines one or more of these cloud-delivered technologies into a single platform:

• SD-WAN: Smart traffic routing and encryption over any connection.
• ZTNA: Zero trust access control for users and devices, usually a part of SASE.
• FWaaS: Cloud-based firewall functionality with centralised management.
• Low-latency backbone: High-speed private backbones for improved global performance.

Why businesses are adopting Cloud-native WANs

Cloud-native WANs are gaining traction because they remove all the heavy lifting from building and managing a wide area network (WAN).

They strip away the complexity to deliver an all-in-one WAN from the cloud that is fast and secure. It’s ideal for businesses that want minimal involvement in setup or day-to-day network management, just a service that works and adapts/scales when needed.

This approach suits the growing number of organisations that want a solution that’s flexible, reliable, and quick to deploy, without needing specialist teams or hardware.

All the core functionality of a WAN (optimised routing, cloud security, and a high-performance backbone) is handled in the background and delivered as a service.

The best way to understand the value is to look at the practical benefits it delivers.

Benefits of cloud-native WANs

These are the main benefits of adopting a cloud-native WAN:

• Plug-and-play: No network design or deployment required. The infrastructure is pre-built and fully managed by the provider. Just connect and go.
• All-in-one platform: Includes all essential cloud-based WAN features. No need to source SD-WAN, FWaaS, or ZTNA separately, it’s all bundled, with the backend handled for you.
• Built-in security: Integrated ZTNA, cloud-delivered firewalls, and traffic inspection provide strong protection for dynamic, cloud-first environments.
• Scales instantly: Add users, sites, or cloud apps in minutes. No technical expertise is needed. Ideal for growing or remote-first businesses without in-house IT teams.
• Cloud-optimised: It’s purpose built to work with SaaS platforms, including Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and cloud-based business VoIP phone systems.
• Access to backbone networks: Unlike standalone SD-WAN or SASE, a cloud-native WAN includes access to low-latency private backbones, ensuring fast, reliable connectivity for distributed teams and sites.

Key attributes of cloud-native WANs

Here are the core features that differentiates cloud-native WANs from SD-WAN, SASE and traditional WANs like MPLS:

100% cloud-delivered

The entire WAN (infrastructure, control, and security) is delivered as a service. It’s managed via dashboards and APIs, with no hardware, network stack, or firewalls for your team to maintain.

Everything runs in the provider’s cloud environment.

Designed for SaaS environments

Many traditional WANs have to be retrofitted to support cloud traffic. Cloud-native WANs are designed with cloud-first environments.

They connect directly into platforms like AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, optimising traffic to SaaS tools such as Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and RingCentral.

Simple onboarding

Adding a new site, cloud region, or remote user doesn’t require deep configuration work.

Onboarding is done using lightweight agents, pre-configured virtual gateways, or integrations, with no tunnel-building or device provisioning. This makes scaling fast and low-effort.

Integrated security by default

Security is fully embedded. Cloud-native WANs come with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS), DNS and traffic filtering, threat prevention.

Security features apply consistently across all locations, cloud services, and user devices.

Access to high performance backbones

Providers operate their own high-performance global backbone for their cloud WAN customers. These high-speed “motorways” bypass the public internet, offering better performance and the ability to apply QoS for latency-sensitive apps without the need for MPLS.

Elastic, scalable, and resilient

Capacity, coverage, and features scale with business changes. Your business can onboard hundreds of new users, integrate new sites and cloud platforms easily, without need for a redesign.

Built-in dashboards and analytics

Real-time network monitoring tools for traffic, performance, user activity, and threats come as standard. Cloud-native WANs offer deep visibility, without relying on third-party apps.

Can be fully managed

Cloud-native WANs can also be delivered as part of a managed network service, where a third-party provider handles setup, monitoring, and optimisation. This means your team simply outlines network requirements, and everything else is taken care of.

Cloud-native WAN implementations

One of the biggest advantages of cloud-native WANs is how easy they are to roll out compared to traditional WAN solutions.
They’re designed to be simple to implement because:

• There’s no complex hardware installation. At most, you might receive pre-configured devices (any essential switches and routers that are missing) with clear instructions by post.
• All cloud-based WAN technologies are bundled into a single platform.
• The service is delivered remotely from the cloud, without need for site visits.

As a result, straightforward implementations can be completed in a few days, while more complex rollouts typically take just a few weeks.

Here’s what the typical implementation process looks like:

1. Choosing a provider

Timeframe: 1–2 days for simple comparisons; 1–2 weeks for formal procurement.

Begin by selecting a provider that matches your business size, cloud footprint, security needs, and budget. Most SD-WAN providers also offer cloud-native WAN solutions.

Compare features, pricing, global coverage, and support models. Many providers offer free consultations or demos to help with evaluation.

Understand the two main types of providers before choosing.

2. Define your scope

Timeframe: 2–5 days depending on network visibility and number of sites/cloud apps.

Identify what needs to be connected: remote users, branch offices, cloud workloads, on-site systems. This informs the onboarding method, software agents, virtual gateways, or optional edge hardware.

If using a managed provider, this step is usually handled for you.

3. Onboard locations and users

Timeframe: 1–2 days for small rollouts; 1–2 weeks for 5–20 locations or cloud apps.

Different components are connected using different methods:

• Remote users: Lightweight client installation or browser-based ZTNA access (takes minutes).
• Offices: Use virtual gateways or plug in pre-configured business broadband routers or network switches (if needed).
• Cloud platforms: Connect using native integrations like AWS Transit Gateway or Azure Virtual WAN.

4. Policy setup and testing

Timeframe: 2–5 days depending on complexity and compliance.

Set up policies via the dashboard: firewall rules, ZTNA access control, routing priorities, etc. Most providers offer templates for faster setup.

You’ll also run diagnostics and simulate traffic to confirm everything is working. Managed providers typically handle this step for you.

5. Troubleshooting and support

Timeframe: Typically resolved live or within 24 hours during rollout.

Built-in dashboards and logs help identify common issues like routing errors or client-side problems. Providers often assign onboarding engineers to support this phase.

With a managed service, all troubleshooting is handled on your behalf.

6. Ongoing management

Timeframe: Ongoing

You can manage access, monitor performance, and adjust policies through a user-friendly dashboard, with vendor support as needed. There’s no patching, no hardware upkeep, and no backend maintenance.

Alternatively, with a fully managed service, your provider handles everything. You simply request changes or updates, and they’re implemented for you, ensuring technical details are taken care of by experts.

Cloud-native WAN providers

UK businesses can either manage their own cloud-native WANs or outsource the entire operation to a third party.

This gives rise to two main types of providers, each with their own strengths and limitations:

Global platform vendors

These vendors build and operate the cloud-native WAN platform itself, including the global backbone, software-defined networking, and integrated security stack.

Most are headquartered outside the UK but serve UK organisations through regional teams or local partners.

What’s offered:

• Full infrastructure as a service (SD-WAN, SASE, ZTNA, FWaaS)
• A central management dashboard to control access and policy
• Support documentation and onboarding tools

What’s not offered:

• Granular, hands-on support during onboarding and operation
• Fully managed day-to-day operation
• Tailored solutions using multiple platforms or providers

Best for businesses that:

• Want a flexible, easy-to-roll-out WAN
• Have in-house IT skills to manage deployment and operation
• Prefer a lower-cost alternative to a fully managed service
• Can meet all requirements using a single platform

Top cloud-native WAN vendors

Here is a choice of three of the best cloud-native WAN vendors offering their services in the UK:

Cato Networks: Headquartered in Israel, with strong UK presence. Known for combining SD-WAN, SASE, ZTNA, and a global backbone into a single, integrated service.

Aryaka: US-based, with its own global Layer 2 network. Offers managed SD-WAN and application-aware routing over a private backbone.

Cloudflare Magic WAN: Built on Cloudflare’s massive global network (300+ cities, including London, Manchester and Edinburgh). Focuses on performance, security, and Zero Trust networking.

Managed service providers (MSPs)

These are UK-based providers who manage cloud-native WAN solutions on behalf of businesses.

They may resell or white-label a global platform (e.g. Aryaka or Cato), or wrap their own services around it for added value.

They act as local partners, handling all technical aspects, leaving your business simply defining its requirements.

What’s offered:

• Fully managed deployment, configuration, and monitoring
• Optional extras like LAN, VoIP, endpoint protection, and UK-specific cybersecurity compliance tooling
• Tailored WAN solutions built on multiple platforms

Best for businesses that:

• Want to fully outsource WAN operations
• Need to focus on core operations, not network management
• Lack internal IT resources or expertise
• Operate in highly regulated sectors with strict compliance needs

Top Managed service providers (MSPs)

Here are three of the best managed service providers offering cloud-native WANs to UK businesses:

• Evolving Networks: A UK-native SD-WAN-as-a-Service provider. Offers multi-link bonding, intelligent failover, and built-in connectivity.
• Cloud Gateway: Specialises in secure hybrid connectivity for government, health, and finance. Offers flexible WAN overlays with strong security posture.
• Stream Networks: A managed services provider that delivers SD-WAN and cloud connectivity using Juniper technology.

Migrations into cloud-native WANs

Businesses are migrating to cloud-native WANs for different reasons. Some are replacing complex, hardware-heavy networks to simplify it and reduce costs.

Others are scaling fast-growing, cloud-first businesses and need better performance, stronger security, and centralised control.

Each case presents unique migration challenges. Here’s what to consider:

Businesses migrating from existing WANs

These organisations often have:

• MPLS links, VPN appliances, and traditional hardware firewalls.
• Multi-site deployments and internal WAN management
• Separate networking and cybersecurity tools
• Growing pressure to support remote and hybrid work

They are typically migrating to reduce costs, streamline operations, and modernise the WAN to support cloud applications and remote access, without rebuilding their network from scratch.

Key considerations

• Integration with existing technologies: Can your cloud-native WAN integrate with current MPLS, dark fibre, business Ethernet, or firewall setups? In many cases, legacy infrastructure can remain in place during rollout if it can be abstracted for centralised cloud control.
• Phased migration: Will you migrate site-by-site or by user group? A phased approach minimises disruption. Start with a pilot, such as one location, application, or user segment, before gradually replacing or complementing legacy systems.
• Operational shift: Migrating often shifts responsibility away from internal IT teams toward third-party providers. Ensure you’re comfortable with this trade-off, and establish clear expectations and trust before fully outsourcing operations.
• Security overlap: Will existing security tools conflict with the new platform? Ensure there’s no duplication or security blind spots by creating a clear handover or integration plan during the transition.

Growing digital-first businesses

These businesses tend to be:

• Remote-first or hybrid, with few or no physical sites
• Heavy users of SaaS, IaaS, and edge services
• Already cloud-connected, often relying on basic VPNs or standalone tools
• Experiencing performance limitations or increased cybersecurity risk

Their goal is to improve performance, enforce Zero Trust access, simplify management, and future-proof their network with a scalable backbone.

Key considerations

• SaaS optimisation: Does the provider offer smart routing and prioritisation for key tools like Google Workspace, Salesforce, or Microsoft 365? These platforms should be tested in a pilot to ensure performance improvements are measurable.
• Remote user onboarding: How will remote staff authenticate and access resources? Confirm that users can securely connect and establish Zero Trust credentials with minimal friction.
• Policy management: Can your team manage access rules, routing, and security policies from a central dashboard? If not, consider a managed service provider to handle configuration and monitoring with minimal internal input.
• Global backbone need: Do you require a private backbone for international traffic? Review your geographic distribution to determine if global performance guarantees are necessary, or if a more regional solution will suffice.
• Performance expectations: The benefits of a cloud-native WAN depend on the underlying access network. If remote workers rely on poor-quality or insecure connections, WAN performance won’t improve. Where possible, ensure sites and key users are connected via leased line broadband, point-to-point Ethernet, or wireless leased lines to fully realise the benefits.

Cloud-native WANs – FAQs

Our business networking experts answer commonly asked questions regarding cloud-native WAN solutions for UK businesses:

What is the difference between a cloud-native WAN and SD-WAN?

Cloud-native WAN is an all-in-one, cloud-delivered network service that includes SD-WAN plus integrated security, orchestration, and cloud optimisation. SD-WAN is just one component, often self-managed and hardware-dependent.

How does a Cloud-Native WAN improve business agility?

Cloud-native WANs let businesses easily connect or disconnect users, sites, and cloud services from a dashboard and in minutes, not weeks, and without the need for physical setups or complex configurations. Scaling and both routing and security policy changes are instant and centralised.

What industries benefit the most from Cloud-Native WANs?

Any business that leans heavily on cloud applications and remote or hybrid workers will greatly benefit from a cloud-native WAN. Naturally, this tends to be tech companies and startups working on digital solutions and services, across a range of industries.

Is cloud-native WAN more secure than traditional WANs?

It can be, but it depends on how each is implemented. Cloud-native WANs include built-in security like Zero Trust and firewalling, which simplifies protection. Traditional WANs can be secure too, but often require more manual setup and separate tools.

What’s the role of zero trust security in cloud-native WANs?

Zero Trust is core to cloud-native WANs. It ensures users and devices must authenticate continuously and only get access to specific resources. This replaces the old model of trusting anything inside the network perimeter, and is becoming essential in remote-first, cloud-heavy environments.

Back to blog Back to broadband guides

• Share:
• 
• 
• 
•