A method performed in a first network node includes the first network node receiving a downlink data packet intended for a user equipment (UE). The method further includes, in response to receiving the downlink data packet, the first network node retrieving, from a second network node, a list of a plurality of top of service function chain (SFC) nodes, each top of SFC node being a first node in a SFC that is in communication with the first network node. The method further includes, the first network node selecting at least one top of SFC node from the plurality of top of SFC nodes in accordance with predetermined criteria. The method further includes the first network node marking the downlink data packet such that the marked downlink data packet is forwarded to the selected top of SFC node.