Multi-path aware tracing and probing functionality at service topology layer

A system comprising:

• a network device configured to perform a method comprising:
• receiving a first packet at a first node, wherein
• the first packet comprises a network service header,
• the network service header comprises
• information identifying a first service function to be performed on the first packet,
• an O-bit, and
• a first flow label;
• determining whether the first node can apply the first service function, wherein
• the determining comprises inspecting the network service header;
• in response to a determination that the first node can apply the first service function, applying the first service function to the first packet;
• and
• forwarding the packet to a second node, wherein
• the forwarding is based, at least in part, on the first flow label.

A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium embodying computer program code, the computer program code comprising computer executable instructions configured for:

• receiving a first packet at a first node, wherein
• the first packet comprises a network service header,
• the network service header comprises
• information identifying a first service function to be performed on the first packet,
• an O-bit, and
• a first flow label;
• determining whether the first node can apply the first service function, wherein
• the determining comprises inspecting the network service header;
• in response to a determination that the first node can apply the first service function, applying the first service function to the first packet;
• and
• forwarding the packet to a second node, wherein
• the forwarding is based, at least in part, on the first flow label.