Flow Based Network Service Insertion

摘要

Techniques are provided to generate and store a network graph database comprising information that indicates a service node topology, and virtual or physical network services available at each node in a network. A service request is received for services to be performed on packets traversing the network between at least first and second endpoints. A subset of the network graph database is determined that can provide the services requested in the service request. A service chain and service chain identifier is generated for the service based on the network graph database subset. A flow path is established through the service chain by flow programming network paths between the first and second endpoints using the service chain identifier.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
generating and storing a network graph database comprising information that indicates a service node topology and virtual or physical network services available at each node in a network; receiving a service request for services to be performed on packets traversing the network between at least first and second endpoints; determining a subset of the network graph database that can provide the services requested in the service request; generating a service chain and service chain identifier for the service based on the network graph database subset; and establishing a flow path through the service chain by flow programming network paths between the first and second endpoints using the service chain identifier.