Authorizing federated learning participant in 5G system (5GS)

A method for a second network function (NF) configured to operate as a client of federated learning (FL) groups in a communication network, the method comprising:

• registering the following information in a network repository function (NRF) of the communication network:
• a vendor identifier (ID) associated with the second NF, and an interoperability ID that corresponds to one or more vendor IDs associated with further NFs authorized to add the second NF to FL groups as a client;
• and
• subsequently joining a FL group as a client, based on one of the following:
• a first token indicating that a first NF, configured to operate as a server for the FL group, is authorized to add the second NF to the FL group as a client;
• or
• a second token indicating that the second NF is authorized to join the FL group as a client.

Network equipment arranged to implement a first network function (NF) configured to operate as a server of a federated learning (FL) group in a communication network, the network equipment comprising:

• communication interface circuitry arranged to communicate with other NFs of the communication network;
• and
• processing circuitry operably coupled to the communication interface circuitry, wherein the processing circuitry and the communication interface circuitry are configured to:
• register the following information in a network repository function (NRF) of the communication network:
• a vendor identifier (ID) associated with the first NF, and an interoperability ID that corresponds to one or more vendor IDs associated with further NFs authorized to join the FL group as clients;
• receive an indication of a second NF, of the communication network, that is a candidate client for the FL group;
• and
• create or update the FL group to include the second NF as a client, based on one of the following:
• a first token indicating that the first NF is authorized to add the second NF to the FL group as a client;
• or
• a second token indicating that the second NF is authorized to join the FL group as a client.