Methods, systems, and computer readable media for limiting network function (nf) repository function (nrf) forwarding

A system for limiting network function (NF) repository function (NRF) forwarding, the system comprising:

• at least one processor;
• a memory;
• and
• a first network function (NF) implemented using the at least one processor and the memory, the first NF configured for:
• receiving a request message associated with a consumer NF;
• determining that the request message cannot be serviced by the first NF;
• inserting or modifying a forwarding limit value in the request message, wherein the forwarding limit value indicates a number of times that the request message can be forwarded;
• and
• forwarding the request message including the forwarding limit value toward a second NF.

A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon executable instructions that when executed by at least one processor of a computer cause the computer to perform steps comprising:

• at a first network function (NF) comprising at least one processor:
• receiving a request message associated with a consumer NF;
• determining that the request message cannot be serviced by the first NF;
• inserting or modifying a forwarding limit value in the request message, wherein the forwarding limit value indicates a number of times that the request message can be forwarded;
• and
• forwarding the request message including the forwarding limit value toward a second NF.