NF DISCOVERY BETWEEN DIFFERENT NETWORKS SUCH AS DIFFERENT SNPNs

A network node for implementing a first Network Repository Function, NRF, the network node comprising:

• processing circuitry configured to cause the network node to:
• receive a discovery request from a Network Function, NF, service consumer for one or more NF profiles of one or more NF instances deployed in a separate entity, the discovery request comprising a realm or domain name of an associated User Equipment, UE;
• identify a second NRF in a separate entity based on the realm or domain name of an identifier of the associated UE;
• and
• send a discovery request to the second NRF for the one or more NF profiles of the one or more NF instances deployed in the separate entity,
• wherein the first NRF is in a first Standalone Non-Public Network, SNPN.

A method performed by a Network Function, NF, the method comprising:

• receiving a message from a User Equipment, UE;
• determining a realm or domain name of the UE;
• sending a discovery request to a first Network Repository Function, NRF, for one or more NF profiles of one or more NF instances deployed in a separate entity, the discovery request comprising the realm or domain name of the UE;
• receiving a discovery response from the first NRF.