Topology Database for Application Service Support at Access Nodes

A method, in an access node of a cellular network, of supporting application services in the cellular network, the method comprising:

• receiving a message from a further access node of the cellular network;
• extracting, from the received message, topology information indicating one or more application services provided by an application service platform located at the further access node;
• and
• storing the topology information in a topology database.

An access node configured for operation in a cellular network, comprising:

• communication interface circuitry configured for communicating with a further access node of the cellular network;
• and
• processing circuitry operatively associated with the communication interface circuitry and configured to:
• receive, via an interface, a message from the further access node;
• extract, from the received message, topology information indicating one or more application services provided by an application service platform located at the further access node;
• and
• store the topology information in a topology database.

A non-transitory computer readable medium storing a computer program for supporting application services in a cellular network, the computer program comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor of an access node of the cellular network, wherein execution of the program code causes the access node to:

• receive a message from a further access node of the cellular network;
• extract, from the received message, topology information indicating one or more application services provided by an application service platform located at the further access node;
• and
• store the topology information in a topology database.