AF interaction patterns: request/response, subscribe/notify

Request-Response Pattern

The simplest AF interaction pattern is request-response, where the AF sends an HTTP request to the NEF and receives a synchronous response. This pattern suits one-time queries — retrieving the current QoS profile for a session, checking a UE location snapshot, or provisioning a packet flow description. The AF issues a POST or GET to the appropriate NEF endpoint, the NEF translates and forwards to the relevant NF, and the response propagates back within the same HTTP transaction. Request-response is stateless from the AF perspective, making it ideal for infrequent or on-demand operations.