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

An apparatus comprising:

• a network interface configured to receive 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;
• and
• a processor configured to:
• detect a status indicator in the header, the status indicator indicating a degradation in performing a service function at the service function device;
• and
• adjust the service function path to compensate for the degradation in performing the service function at the service function device.

One or more non-transitory computer readable storage media encoded with software comprising computer executable instructions and, when the software is executed by a processor on a computing device, operable to cause the processor to:

• receive 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;
• detect a status indicator in the header, the status indicator indicating a degradation in performing a service function at the service function device;
• and
• adjust the service function path to compensate for the degradation in performing the service function at the service function device.