Patent ID: 10833938

Abstract:
A method for network function (NF) topology synchronization includes, at a network node including at least one processor, maintaining NF instance identifiers and corresponding NF profile version identifiers in an NF topology database local to the network node, the NF profile version identifiers indicating most current NF profile versions stored by the network node for each NF instance identifier. The method further includes obtaining a list of NF instance identifiers and NF profile version identifiers from an NF repository function (NRF), accessing the NF topology database, determining, by comparing the NF profile version identifiers in the list with NF profile version identifiers for corresponding NF instance identifiers in the NF topology database, whether the NF profiles stored by the network node are lagging behind the NF profiles stored by the NRF, and auditing or refraining from auditing the NRF for updated NF profiles based on results of the comparison.