SD-WAN Deployment Validation Checklist

This SD-WAN deployment validation checklist ensures compliance with MEF 70.1 SD-WAN service standards, NIST Cybersecurity Framework secure networking controls, and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) architectural principles. Designed for network engineers and SD-WAN architects to validate deployments, verify security policies, and confirm application performance. Complete all sections before production cutover.

  • Industry: Telecommunications & IT
  • Frequency: Per Event
  • Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
  • Role: Network Engineer / SD-WAN Architect
  • Total Items: 30
  • Compliance: MEF 70.1 SD-WAN Service Standard, NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0, SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) Architecture, NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust Architecture, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 A.8.20 Network Security

Hardware and Connectivity

Physical installation and WAN link verification.

  • SD-WAN edge device installed and powered on?
  • All WAN links active and reporting to orchestrator?
  • LAN connectivity verified from edge device?
  • Console/out-of-band management access configured?
  • Device registered and visible in SD-WAN orchestrator?

Policy and Traffic Steering

SD-WAN policies and application-based routing validation.

  • Application-aware routing policies configured?
  • QoS policies configured for critical traffic classes?
  • Link failover policies defined and tested?
  • Load balancing policy configured for appropriate traffic?
  • SaaS direct internet access (DIA) steering configured?

Security Policy Validation

Integrated security features and SASE components.

  • IPSec tunnels established to all hub/DC locations?
  • Zone-based firewall policies configured?
  • URL filtering/DNS security configured?
  • Zero Trust Network Access policies applied?
  • Network segmentation (VLANs/VRFs) configured correctly?

Performance Testing

Application performance and path quality validation.

  • Application performance tests completed?
  • WAN link failover tested and failover time documented?
  • Voice/video quality tested over SD-WAN?
  • SLA metrics (latency, jitter, loss) within thresholds?
  • Performance Test Results Screenshot

Monitoring and Visibility

Telemetry, logging, and NOC visibility configuration.

  • Telemetry data flowing to monitoring platform?
  • Alerts configured for link down and SLA violations?
  • NetFlow/IPFIX data exported to analytics platform?
  • Syslog configured to SIEM?
  • NOC dashboard showing site health?

Documentation and Handoff

Final documentation and customer/NOC handoff.

  • As-built network diagram updated?
  • Configuration backed up to repository?
  • Operations runbook updated for NOC?
  • NOC/operations team trained on SD-WAN management?
  • Customer acceptance sign-off obtained?

Related IT & Data Security Checklists

Related Data Center Checklists

Why Use This SD-WAN Deployment Validation Checklist?

This sd-wan deployment validation checklist helps telecommunications & it teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for network engineer / sd-wan architect professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with MEF 70.1 SD-WAN Service Standard, NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0, SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) Architecture, NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust Architecture, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 A.8.20 Network Security. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the SD-WAN Deployment Validation Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: Hardware and Connectivity, Policy and Traffic Steering, Security Policy Validation, Performance Testing, Monitoring and Visibility, Documentation and Handoff. It is designed for telecommunications & it operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 2-3 hours.

Who should use this SD-WAN Deployment Validation Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Network Engineer / SD-WAN Architect professionals in the telecommunications & it industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.

Browse More Checklists