Access Control in Communications Network Comprising Slices

A mobile entity for operating in a mobile communications network comprising at least one slice, the mobile entity comprising:

• processing circuitry;
• memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the mobile entity is operative to:
• send a request message to a radio access network (RAN) entity in the mobile communications network, the request message comprising a first network slice identifier identifying a slice to which the mobile entity intends to connect;
• receive a response to the request message, wherein the response comprises a second network slice identifier the mobile entity is allowed to connect;
• and
• transmit a connection request comprising the second network slice identifier and a related access point name when connecting to a slice of the mobile communication network.

A method for operating a network entity in a mobile communications network supporting at least one slice, the method implemented by the network entity and comprising:

• receiving, from a mobile entity, a request message in the mobile communications network, the request message comprising a first network slice identifier identifying a slice to which the mobile entity intends to connect;
• sending, to the mobile entity, a response to the request message, wherein the response comprises a second network slice identifier the mobile entity is allowed to connect, the second network identity selected based on subscription information of the mobile entity;
• and
• receiving, from the mobile entity, a connection request message to establish a connection using the second network slice identifier and a related access point name when connecting to a slice of the mobile communication network.

A network entity configured to control a non-access stratum signaling of a mobile entity in a mobile communications network comprising at least one slice, the network entity comprising:

• processing circuitry;
• and
• memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the entity is operative to:
• receive, from the mobile entity, a request message in the mobile communications network, the request message comprising a first network slice identifier identifying a slice to which the mobile entity intends to connect;
• send, to the mobile entity, a response to the request message, wherein the response comprises a second network slice identifier the mobile entity is allowed to connect, the second network identity selected based on subscription information of the mobile entity;
• and
• receive, from the mobile entity, a connection request message to establish a connection using the second network slice identifier and a related access point name when connecting to a slice of the mobile communication network.