Network topology independent service deployment techniques, referred to as overlay-based packet steering techniques, are provided. In one example, a server destined packet is intercepted by an in-path network device enabled as a service classifier. The service classifier encapsulates the packet and inserts the packet into a service path to a service virtualization endpoint front ending one or more service nodes. In other words, the service virtualization endpoint receives the service-directed packet on an overlay-based service path. The service-directed packet includes a service header and a service overlay tunnel encapsulation. The service virtualization endpoint inspects the service header in the service-directed packet to identify a first service node to which the service-directed packet should be forwarded and, based on the inspection, forwards the service-directed packet, on the overlay-based service path, to the first service node.