Service bitmask-based service application in service function chaining

摘要

A computer-implemented method performed at a classifier network element includes receiving a flow of packets subject to a Service Function Path. The Service Function Path defines which service functions a flow will receive and the order in which the service functions will be provided. A service bitmask is generated that indicates that one or more service function will be skipped. The classifier network element encapsulates the flow as a payload with a Network Service Header comprising a Service Function Path identifier, a service index, and the service bitmask.