Combined service discovery and connection setup for service-based architectures

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are provided in accordance with example embodiments for providing a combined service discovery and connection setup for a fifth-generation (5G) service-based architecture (SBA), and particularly for streamlined provisioning of services associated with a network repository function (NRF) from network function (NF) service providers to NF service consumers. In some embodiments, the NRF can register NF service providers by, at least, identifying supported transport layer network protocols (TLNPs) and then identifying for the NF service consumer only services associated with NF service providers supporting the same TNLP so that a further suitability handshake between the NF service consumer and the NF service provider is not required. In some embodiments, initial authentication of the NF service consumer by the NRF under a cryptographic protocol can be used as preauthorization for direct communication and service provisioning between the NF service provider and the NF service consumer, without requiring secondary authentication.