Authentication server function selection in authentication and key management

Abstract

Embodiments include methods performed by a key management node in a communication network. Such methods can include receiving, from an application function, a request for a security key specific to an application session for a particular user. The request can include a representation of the following information associated with the particular user: a first identifier of a non-application-specific anchor security key, and a second identifier related to a network subscription. Such methods can also include, based on the representation, determining an authentication server function that generated the non-application-specific anchor security key. Other embodiments include complementary methods performed by application functions, authentication server functions, and unified data management functions in the communication network. Other embodiments include network nodes configured to perform such methods.