Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Network-Wide Path Insight User Guide, Release 26.x and Later

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Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Network-Wide Path Insight User Guide, Release 26.x and Later

Managing Network-Wide Path Insight Traces

Updated: October 22, 2026

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Explains how trace exports allow you to save and share trace information for external or internal analysis, including sending data to Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) or importing into Cisco SD-WAN Manager.

A trace export is a diagnostic data archive that

  • enables you to save trace information for external or internal analysis

  • allows you to send exported trace data to Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for troubleshooting, and

  • provides a convenient way to review trace details in Cisco SD-WAN Manager or other tools.

File formats

Exporting a trace creates a .tar.gz archive containing a set of JSON files.

You can view these files in any desired tool, but it is most useful to import a saved trace into Cisco SD-WAN Manager to view the trace details.

Use these methods for exporting, importing, and viewing traces:

Export a trace

Exporting a trace allows you to collect and share trace data from the Cisco SD-WAN Manager interface for troubleshooting or analysis.

Use this task when you need to download trace files for offline analysis or attach them to a Cisco TAC case for support purposes.

Before you begin

No prerequisites are required to export a trace from the Cisco SD-WAN Manager interface.

Follow these steps to export a trace:

Procedure

  1. From the Cisco SD-WAN Manager menu, choose Tools > Network-wide Path Insights.

  2. In the table of traces, adjacent to a trace, click ….

  3. Choose any one action:

    • Download: SD-WAN Manager downloads the trace as a .tar.gz file containing a set of JSON files.
    • Attach to TAC Case: Upload the trace to open a Cisco service case for troubleshooting, using the SR number of the case.

The trace is either downloaded as a .tar.gz file containing JSON files or uploaded to a Cisco TAC case for troubleshooting, depending on the selected action.

Import a trace

Importing a trace allows you to upload trace files for analysis within the Network-wide Path Insights tool.

  • This task helps you monitor and troubleshoot network paths by examining imported trace data.

Use this task when you need to analyze network traffic or diagnose issues using trace files in the Network-wide Path Insights tool.

Importing traces is relevant for network administrators who require detailed visibility into network paths and performance.

  • Perform this task when you have a trace file ready for upload and analysis.

Before you begin

Ensure you have access to the Cisco SD-WAN Manager interface and a trace file available for import.

  • Verify that your user account has the necessary permissions to import traces.

Follow these steps to import a trace file for network analysis:

Procedure

  1. From the Cisco SD-WAN Manager menu, choose Tools > Network-wide Path Insights.

  2. Click Imported Traces to view a list of imported traces.

  3. Click Import Trace.

  4. Follow the instructions to upload a trace file.

    The uploaded trace file appears in the table on the Imported Traces page.

After completing this task, the imported trace file is available in the Imported Traces list for analysis within the Network-wide Path Insights tool.

What to do next

View an imported trace

This task enables you to verify and manage imported traces within the Network-wide Path Insights tool.

  • Use this procedure to access, review, and take actions on imported trace files.

Imported traces provide visibility into network paths and events for troubleshooting and analysis.

Perform this task when you need to review or manage traces that have been previously imported into the system.

  • This is relevant for users who need to analyze network behavior or maintain trace records.

Before you begin

No prerequisites are required to view imported traces.

  • Ensure you have access to the Cisco SD-WAN Manager interface.

Follow these steps to view and manage imported traces:

Procedure

  1. From the Cisco SD-WAN Manager menu, choose Tools > Network-wide Path Insights.

  2. Click Imported Traces to view a list of imported traces.

  3. Choose an action available in the table.

    • Insight Summary: View a summary of the trace.
    • View Insights: View the details of the trace.
    • Delete a trace from the table.

After completing this task, you will be able to view, analyze, or delete imported traces as needed in the Network-wide Path Insights tool.