Apparatus, methods, and computer programs
There is provided a method for, an apparatus for, and a computer program for a second network repository function for causing an apparatus of the second network repository function to when operating in a second domain: signal an indication to a first network repository function operating in a first domain, the indication indicating whether at least one network entity in the second domain is capable of performing discovery and/or selection of a network function instance in the second domain on behalf of a network entity located in the first domain.
1 . An apparatus comprising:
at least one processor; and
at least one memory comprising code of a first network repository function, the code, when executed by the at least one processor, causing the apparatus at least to perform:
when operating in a first domain:
receiving a first indication from a second network repository function operating in a second domain, the first indication indicating whether at least one network entity in the second domain is capable of performing discovery and/or selection of a network function instance in the second domain on behalf of a network entity located in the first domain; and
in response to said receiving, transmitting, to a first network entity located in the first domain, an instruction to delegate discovery and/or selection of said network function instance to a network entity located in the second domain.
2 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to perform:
signaling to the second network repository function a first request requesting the first indication, wherein the first request is comprised within a bootstrapping request.
3 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to perform:
signaling to the second network repository function a first request requesting the first indication, wherein the first request is comprised within a discovery request.
4 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the discovery request is at least one of the following: a request to discover a network function instance in the second domain that provides a requested service, or a request to discover a service communication proxy in the second domain that is capable of performing said discovery and/or selection.
5 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to perform:
receiving, from a network entity located in the first domain, a second request to discover the network function instance in the second domain; and
signaling the second network repository function a first request for said first indication in response to receiving said second request.
6 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first indication indicates at least one network entity in the second domain that is capable of performing discovery and/or selection of the network function instance.
7 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the first indication indicates at least one type of network function in the second domain that is capable of being discovered and/or selected as the network function instance by a network entity in the second domain.
8 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the first indication comprises at least one identifier and/or address of the network entity in the second domain that is capable of performing discovery and/or selection of the network function instance.
9 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the first indication does not comprise profiles of any network function instances.
10 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the code, when executed by the at least one processor, further causes the apparatus to perform: maintaining a store of said indication.
11 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the network instance in the second domain is one of the following: a service producer; or a service consumer.
12 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the network entity in the second domain is a service communication proxy.
13 . An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein: the first and second domains are respective first and second public land mobile networks, or the first and second domains are respective first and second non-public networks, or the first and second domains are respective first and second service communication proxy domains of a third public land mobile network.
14 . A method of a first network repository entity, the method comprising:
when operating in a first domain:
receiving a first indication from a second network repository function operating in a second domain, the first indication indicating whether at least one network entity in the second domain is capable of performing discovery and/or selection of a network function instance in the second domain on behalf of a network entity located in the first domain; and
in response to said receiving, transmitting, to a first network entity located in the first domain, an instruction to delegate discovery and/or selection of said network function instance to a network entity located in the second domain.
15 . A method as claimed in claim 14 , further comprising:
signaling to the second network repository function a first request requesting the first indication, wherein the first request is comprised within a bootstrapping request.
16 . A method as claimed in claim 14 , further comprising:
signaling to the second network repository function a first request requesting the first indication, wherein the first request is comprised within a discovery request.
17 . A method as claimed in claim 14 , further comprising:
receiving, from a network entity located in the first domain, a second request to discover the network function instance in the second domain; and
signaling the second network repository function a first request for said first indication in response to receiving said second request.
18 . A method as claimed in claim 17 , wherein the discovery request is at least one of the following: a request to discover a network function instance in the second domain that provides a requested service, or a request to discover a service communication proxy in the second domain that is capable of performing said discovery and/or selection.
19 . A method as claimed in claim 14 , wherein the first indication indicates at least one network entity in the second domain that is capable of performing discovery and/or selection of the network function instance.
20 . A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising code of a first network repository function, the code, when executed by an apparatus, causing the apparatus to perform:
when operating in a first domain:
receiving a first indication from a second network repository function operating in a second domain, the first indication indicating whether at least one network entity in the second domain is capable of performing discovery and/or selection of a network function instance in the second domain on behalf of a network entity located in the first domain; and
in response to said receiving, transmitting, to a first network entity located in the first domain, an instruction to delegate discovery and/or selection of said network function instance to a network entity located in the second domain.