Access category management objects may be configured for use in support of access category configurations of a user equipment (UE). Various methods for a UE configuration with access categories are disclosed. Signaling methods by a radio access network of access barring parameters such as a signaling method for a partial list of access barring parameters with explicit signaling of access category indexes and a signaling method for a full list of access barring parameters where access categories are signaled using a bitmap are disclosed. Access control parameters and an access control architecture in terms of access control function distribution within the UE protocol sublayers, solutions that address the impact of access control in a connected mode on a buffer status report, logical channel prioritization and flow control between the UE AS and UE NAS, and details regarding access barring checks are also disclosed.