US Patent 9942152 Forwarding data packets using a service-based forwarding policy

Methods and systems are provided for forwarding data packets in a service network using a service-based policy. A gateway node may receive data packets from a service session and send the data packets for a forwarding node. The forwarding node may match the service session data packet against a service address and forwarding policy, the forwarding policy being based on capabilities and service configurations of the servicing nodes in the service network. Forwarding node may then forward the service session data packet to a servicing node in accordance with the forwarding policy, and send the service session data packet to a server for processing.