Network service header (nsh) relaying of serviceability of a service function

An apparatus comprising:

• a network interface unit configured to communicate with a plurality of service function devices in a service function path;
• and
• a processor configured to:
• perform at least one service function on a data flow that follows the service function path;
• detect a degradation in performing the service function;
• generate a status indicator for the degradation in performing the service function;
• insert the status indicator into a peer detection packet, the peer detection packet encapsulating an inner packet with a header that indicates the service function path;
• and
• cause the network interface unit to forward the peer detection packet to a neighboring service function device along the service function path.

A method comprising:

• receiving a peer detection packet from a service function device in a service function path, the peer detection packet comprising an inner packet with a header;
• detecting an status indicator in the header, the status indicator indicating a degradation in performing a service function at the service function device;
• and
• adjusting the service function path to compensate for the degradation in performing the service function at the service function device.