SELECTIVE STEERING NETWORK TRAFFIC TO VIRTUAL SERVICE(S) USING POLICY

A classifier network element in a service function chain system receives a classification policy and an access policy from a controller of the service function chain system. The classification policy identifies which service function path network traffic flows will traverse through the service function chain system. The access policy defines criteria for determining whether network traffic flows will be sent along a service function path of the service function chain system. The classifier network element receives an initial packet of a network traffic flow from a source endpoint directed to a destination endpoint. Responsive to a determination that the initial packet of the network traffic flow satisfies the criteria of the access policy, the classifier network element applies the access policy to the network traffic flow.