Parallel execution of services on packets using multicast-based service insertion

Abstract

A method for a parallel execution of services, of a serial service chain, on packets using multicast-based service insertion is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method comprises detecting a packet of a data flow and storing the packet in memory. From a plurality of multicast groups, a first multicast group is identified. The first multicast group includes a plurality of service machines configured to provide a plurality of services to the data flow. The first multicast group includes all services machines of the plurality of service machines. The packet is multicast to the first multicast group of the plurality of multicast groups to cause applying, in parallel, services of service machines included in the first multicast group. Upon receiving a plurality of responses from service machines of the first multicast group, the plurality of responses is analyzed to determine whether the plurality of responses includes a modify-response. In response to determining that the plurality of responses does not include any modify-response, the plurality of responses is analyzed to determine whether the plurality of responses includes a drop-response. In response to determining that the plurality of responses does not include any drop-response, the packet is forwarded toward its destination without multicasting the packet to any other multicast group of the plurality of multicast groups.