Introduction

This document provides information about the role of Network Repository Function (NRF) in 5G Service Based Architecture.

The NRF is a key component of the 5G Service Based Architecture. The NRF maintains an updated repository of all the Network Functions (NFs) available in the operator's network along with the services provided by each of the NFs in the 5G core that are expected to be instantiated, scaled and terminated with minimal to no manual intervention. In addition to serving as a repository of the services, the NRF also supports discovery mechanisms that allows NFs to discover each other and get updated status of the desired NFs.

The NRF supports the following functions:

  • Maintains the profiles of the available NF instances and their supported services in the 5G core network
  • Allows consumer NF instances to discover other providers NF instances in the 5G core network
  • Allows NF instances to track the status of other NF instances

The NRF interacts with every other NF in the 5G core network and it supports the above functions through the following services:

  • Management Services

  • Discovery Services