Network slicing-aware access network

A core network node capable of associating network slice identifiers, the core network node comprising processing circuitry operable to:

• obtain a mapping of core network (CN) slice identifiers to radio access network (RAN) slice identifiers;
• receive a slice registration request from a user equipment (UE);
• determine a slice identifier associated with the slice registration request;
• and
• send a slice registration response to the UE, the slice registration response including the determined slice identifier.

A method for use in a network node of associating network slice identifiers, the method comprising:

• obtaining a mapping of core network (CN) slice identifiers to radio access network (RAN) slice identifiers
• sending a setup request to a core network node, the setup request including one or more RAN slice identifiers;
• and
• receiving a setup response from the core network node, the setup response including the mapping of CN slice identifiers to RAN slice identifiers.

A network node capable of associating network slice identifiers, the network node comprising processing circuitry operable to:

• obtain a mapping of core network (CN) slice identifiers to radio access network (RAN) slice identifiers;
• send a setup request to a core network node, the setup request including one or more RAN slice identifiers;
• and
• receive a setup response from the core network node, the setup response including the mapping of CN slice identifiers to RAN slice identifiers.