HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE METHODOLOGIES FOR CREATING AND MANAGING PROTABLE SERVICE FUNCTION CHAINS

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention describe a self-contained service function network layer between a chain (e.g., a logical chain or service function chain) and a substrate network. Embodiments of the present invention further provide techniques for constructing logical chains for service function networks using chain tables, organizing chain tables using APIs, deploying service function networks to substrate networks, routing packets through a service function network and a substrate network, and inserting, deleting, re-routing, moving and substituting service functions in logical chains.

主权项

1. An apparatus for managing service function chains, the apparatus comprising:
a controller configured to control a plurality of service functions and a substrate network, wherein each service function of said plurality of service functions is associated with an identifier and a network address, and wherein the substrate network comprises a plurality of network switches coupled to the controller; and a chain table stored at a first service function of a service function chain, wherein the chain table stores an entry comprising a first identifier and an index of a next service function in the service function chain, wherein the controller is further configured to: generate a mapping comprising network addresses and associated identifiers; create or modify the entry of the chain table; and deploy the chain table to the first service function, and wherein further the first service function is operable to: receive a packet; process the packet; and transfer the packet to the next service function.