Packet forwarding method and device utilizing the same

Abstract

A packet forwarding method. The method reacts to service function events promptly by recalculating a more streamlined service function path (SFP) for a packet flow of a service function chain (SFC). Service functions (SFs) and service function forwarders (SFFs) collaborate to serve a SFC packet flow and bypass SFs belonging to the same SF group which does not provides functional service to packets of the flow.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A packet forwarding method executable by an electronic device, comprising:
 receiving a first packet classified for a service function path (SFP);   forwarding the first packet to a first service function (SF) in the service function path of the first packet;   determining whether a bypass event associated with the first packet and the first service function is detected; and   modifying a header of the first packet to bypass one or more subsequent service functions arranged subsequent to the first service function in the service function path of the first packet in a condition that the bypass event is detected.   
     
     
         2 . The packet forwarding method of  claim 1 , wherein the modifying the header of the first packet comprises:
 modifying service function chain encapsulation of the first packet.   
     
     
         3 . The packet forwarding method of  claim 2 , wherein the modifying the header of the first packet comprises:
 modifying a service index in the service function chain encapsulation of the first packet.   
     
     
         4 . The packet forwarding method of  claim 3 , wherein the header of the first packet comprises a network service header (NSH) of the first packet. 
     
     
         5 . The packet forwarding method of  claim 1 , wherein the modifying the header of the first packet comprises:
 modifying the header of the first packet to bypass a subsequent service function forwarder connecting the one or more subsequent service functions arranged subsequent to the first service function in the service function path of the first packet in a condition that the bypass event is detected.