Systems and methods for tunneling network traffic to apply network functions

Abstract

The systems and methods described herein provide a mechanism to apply network functions to a packet. The packet received by a network switch from a host may be configured so that the packet may be transmitted and forwarded to a target destination with desired network function, such as desired security settings, traffic path control or policy enforcement. In one example, the system may include a network switch and a network controller. The packet from hosts may enter the network switch through network ports (Px). The packet may then be tunneled and further transmitted to a server insertion to add a service identifier for the packet. The packet with the service modifier is then transmitted to a service block over the network. The service block may apply specific network functions to be processed or already processed to the packets. Subsequently, the packet with the specific network functions may then routes to the target destination with the desired network functions.