Patent ID: 8989192
Filing Date: 2015-03-24
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A software defined network service (SDNS) node for altering a logical flow of data packets in a network to accommodate predetermined ordered service chains, comprising: a receiver configured to receive an encapsulated data packet comprising a first tag via an encapsulated tunnel from another SDNS node, wherein the first tag identifies an ordered service chain or a next hop in the ordered service chain; a processor coupled to the receiver and configured to decapsulate the encapsulated data packet by removing the first tag; and a transmitter coupled to the processor and configured to forward the decapsulated data packet to a service device attached to the SDNS node when the processor determines, based on the removed first tag, that a service on the service device should be applied to the data packet, wherein the first tag is removed from the encapsulated data packet prior to forwarding the decapsulated data packet to the service device such that the ordered service chain is transparent to the service on the service device.