Patent ID: 11979369

Abstract:
A method for providing for optimized service based interface (SBI) communications by performing network function (NF) fully qualified domain name (FQDN) resolution at an NF repository function (NRF) includes, at an NRF including at least one processor, receiving NF register requests including NF profiles and/or NF service profiles, at least some of which include FQDNs and do not include Internet protocol (IP) addresses. The method further includes storing the NF profiles and/or NF service profiles in an NF profiles database. The method further includes resolving the FQDNs in NF profiles and/or NF service profiles into IP addresses. The method further includes receiving NF discovery requests. The method further includes generating lists of NF profiles and/or NF service profiles that match query parameters in the NF discovery requests. The method further includes providing the lists of NF profiles and/or NF service profiles including the IP addresses to consumer NFs in NF discovery responses.