Methods, systems, and computer readable media for network function (NF) topology synchronization

A system for network function (NF) topology synchronization, the system comprising:

• a network node including at least one processor;
• an NF topology database local to the network node and storing NF instance identifiers and corresponding NF profile version identifiers, the NF profile version identifiers indicating most current NF profile versions stored by the network node for each NF instance identifier;
• and
• an NF topology synchronizer executed by the at least one processor for obtaining a list of NF instance identifiers and NF profile version identifiers from an NF repository function (NRF), accessing the NF topology database using the NF instance identifiers in the list, 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, auditing the NRF for updated NF profiles for NFs whose NF profiles stored by the network node are lagging behind the NF profiles stored by the NRF, and refraining from auditing the NRF for updated NF profiles for NFs whose NF profiles stored by the network node are the same as or more current than the NF profiles stored by the NRF.

A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon executable instructions that when executed by a processor of a computer controls the computer to perform steps comprising;

• at a network node including at least one processor:
• maintaining network function (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;
• obtaining a list of NF instance identifiers and NF profile version identifiers from an NF repository function (NRF);
• accessing the NF topology database using the NF instance identifiers in the list;
• 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;
• auditing the NRF for updated NF profiles for NFs whose NF profiles stored by the network node are lagging behind the NF profiles stored by the NRF;
• and
• refraining from auditing the NRF for updated NF profiles for NFs whose NF profiles stored by the network node are the same as or more current than the NF profiles stored by the NRF.