A service type repository is populated with types of services exposed on a network that has a dynamic organization. The services are embedded on one or more devices included in the network and the services providing information about the one or more devices. A query is received that includes a request for a type of service, and the requested type of service is compared to the types of services in the service type repository to select a collection of matching service types that satisfy the request. Active instances of services that have a type included in the collection of matching service types are identified. The active instances are instances of services embedded on one or more devices included in the network. When no active instances are identified, active instances of services that have a type included in the collection of matching service types are discovered.