In one illustrative example, a network node configured for packet flow verification may receive a packet from a host (e.g. a wireless mobile device operating in a wireless network) and obtain, from a header of the packet, data indicative of one or more traversed network node or service function identities. The identities may correspond to one or more traversed network nodes or service functions through which the packet has traversed in a non-steered communication having an unspecified path. Each received data indicative of a traversed network node or service function identity may be network node-added data, provided as part of in-situ Operations, Administration, and Maintenance (iOAM) data.