A radio access method and apparatus

Abstract

The application provides a wireless access method and device. The method is applied to any radio frequency unit on an AP, and the radio frequency unit supports a new version of Wi-Fi protocol. In the method, when the working mode of the AP is set as a compatible mode, the radio frequency unit broadcasts a Beacon message carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit and a Beacon message carrying parameter information of a specified old version of Wi-Fi protocol, or sends a probe response message carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit and a probe response message carrying parameter information of a specified old version of Wi-Fi protocol, so that a wireless terminal supporting the specified old version of Wi-Fi protocol and having poor compatibility can smoothly access the radio frequency unit without upgrading related software or hardware, thereby saving network management cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to a wireless access method and apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] The Wi-Fi protocol is a key technology protocol in Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs). With the release of new versions of the Wi-Fi protocol, WLANs that support the new version (i.e., the latest version of the Wi-Fi protocol) can connect to more wireless terminals.

[0003] In WLANs that support newer versions of the Wi-Fi protocol, the access points (APs) can enable wireless terminals that support older versions of the Wi-Fi protocol (i.e., versions of the Wi-Fi protocol other than the latest version). For example, APs in a WLAN that supports the Wi-Fi 6 protocol can enable wireless terminals that only support the Wi-Fi 5 protocol to access the WLAN.

[0004] However, for some wireless terminals, due to the fact that the technical requirements of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol were not taken into account during the early design and production, the compatibility is poor. They cannot recognize the beacon messages broadcast by the AP carrying the parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, nor the probe response messages sent by the AP carrying the parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol. Therefore, they cannot access the WLAN that supports the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol. It is often necessary to upgrade the relevant software or hardware to enable access to the WLAN using the old version of the Wi-Fi protocol, which will greatly increase the management cost.

[0005] Some network administrators may downgrade WLANs that support newer versions of Wi-Fi protocols (e.g., Wi-Fi 6) to older versions (e.g., Wi-Fi 5) to meet the access needs of wireless terminals that support older versions of Wi-Fi protocols and have poor compatibility, due to the inability to bear the increased management costs. This greatly reduces the utilization rate of the entire WLAN and degrades the network experience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, this application provides a wireless access method and apparatus.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a wireless access method is provided, the method being applied to any radio frequency unit on an access point (AP), the radio frequency unit supporting a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, the method comprising:

[0008] When the AP's operating mode is set to compatibility mode, multiple Beacon messages are broadcast according to a preset period. This allows at least one first wireless terminal that receives the Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit to successfully identify the Beacon message from the radio frequency unit and determine that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. Based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all the Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the terminal determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol.

[0009] When receiving a first probe request message from any second wireless terminal carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the second wireless terminal, the system sends multiple first probe response messages to the second wireless terminal. This enables the second wireless terminal to successfully identify the first probe response message from the radio frequency unit and determine that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. Based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified first probe response message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the system determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol.

[0010] The multiple Beacon messages include Beacon messages carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and Beacon messages carrying parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit.

[0011] The plurality of first probe response messages include a first probe response message carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and a first probe response message carrying parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. All wireless terminals connected to the radio frequency unit include at least wireless terminals that support the new version of Wi-Fi protocol and wireless terminals that support the specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol but have poor compatibility.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a wireless access device is provided, the device being applied to any radio frequency unit on an access point (AP), the radio frequency unit supporting a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, the device comprising:

[0013] The broadcast module is used to broadcast multiple Beacon messages at a preset period when the AP's working mode is set to compatibility mode. This allows at least one first wireless terminal that receives the Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit to successfully identify the Beacon message from the radio frequency unit and determine that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. Based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all the Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the terminal determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol.

[0014] The first transceiver module is configured to send multiple first probe response messages to any second wireless terminal when it receives a first probe request message carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the second wireless terminal. This enables the second wireless terminal to successfully identify the first probe response message from the radio frequency unit and determine that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. Based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified first probe response message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the second wireless terminal determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol.

[0015] The multiple Beacon messages include Beacon messages carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and Beacon messages carrying parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit.

[0016] The plurality of first probe response messages include a first probe response message carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and a first probe response message carrying parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. All wireless terminals connected to the radio frequency unit include at least wireless terminals that support the new version of Wi-Fi protocol and wireless terminals that support the specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol but have poor compatibility.

[0017] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application may include the following beneficial effects:

[0018] In this embodiment, in a WLAN supporting a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, for any radio frequency unit on an AP supporting the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, once the AP's operating mode is set to compatibility mode, it will broadcast multiple Beacon messages according to a preset period. This allows the first wireless terminal receiving the Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit to successfully identify the Beacon message from that radio frequency unit and determine that the radio frequency unit to be accessed is that radio frequency unit. Based on the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the terminal determines the Wi-Fi protocol it will use and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol. Here, the multiple Beacon messages include Beacon messages carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and Beacon messages carrying parameter information of a specified older version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit.

[0019] Furthermore, if this radio frequency unit receives a first probe request message from any second wireless terminal carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the second wireless terminal, it will send multiple first probe response messages to the second wireless terminal. This allows the second wireless terminal to successfully identify the first probe response message from this radio frequency unit and determine that the radio frequency unit to be accessed is this radio frequency unit. Based on the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in the identified first probe response message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the second wireless terminal can determine its own Wi-Fi protocol and use the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit. Here, the multiple first probe response messages include first probe response messages carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit and first probe response messages carrying parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. All wireless terminals accessed by this radio frequency unit include at least wireless terminals supporting newer versions of Wi-Fi protocols and wireless terminals supporting the specified older versions of Wi-Fi protocols but with poor compatibility.

[0020] As can be seen, in this wireless access process, regardless of whether a wireless terminal supports a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol or a wireless terminal that supports an older version of the Wi-Fi protocol and has poor compatibility, it can determine its own Wi-Fi protocol and use the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the relevant radio frequency unit on the relevant AP, based on the parameter information of the relevant Wi-Fi protocol carried in the Beacon message or Probe Response message from the radio frequency unit on the relevant AP, when the AP's operating mode is set to compatibility mode. In this way, wireless terminals supporting a specified older version of the Wi-Fi protocol and with poor compatibility can successfully access the relevant radio frequency unit without upgrading their software or hardware, greatly saving network management costs. Furthermore, it increases the probability that wireless terminals supporting the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol can access the radio frequency unit using the newer version, improving WLAN utilization and network experience.

[0021] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this application, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0023] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a wireless access method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the WLAN networking architecture provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a wireless access device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0027] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this application to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the words “if” or “suppose” as used herein may be interpreted as “when…” or “when…”.

[0029] The embodiments of this application will now be described in detail.

[0030] This application provides a wireless access method, which is applied to any radio frequency unit on an access point (AP), wherein the radio frequency unit supports a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the method may include the following steps:

[0031] S11. When the AP's working mode is set to compatibility mode, multiple Beacon messages are broadcast according to a preset period, so that when at least one first wireless terminal that receives the Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit successfully identifies the Beacon message from the radio frequency unit and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit, it determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all the Wi-Fi protocols it supports, and uses the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit.

[0032] In this step, multiple Beacon messages include Beacon messages carrying parameter information for all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and Beacon messages carrying parameter information for a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. These Beacon messages also carry the same Service Set Identifier (SSID).

[0033] In addition, the preset period mentioned above can be set according to the actual network requirements of the WLAN where the AP is located in this step.

[0034] S12. Upon receiving a first probe request message from any second wireless terminal carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the second wireless terminal, send multiple first probe response messages to the second wireless terminal. This enables the second wireless terminal to successfully identify the first probe response message from the radio frequency unit and determine that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. Based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified first probe response message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the second wireless terminal determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol.

[0035] In this step, the multiple first probe response messages include a first probe response message carrying parameter information for all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and a first probe response message carrying parameter information for a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. Here, these first probe response messages also carry the same SSID.

[0036] Furthermore, all wireless terminals connected to this radio frequency unit must include at least wireless terminals that support the latest version of the Wi-Fi protocol and wireless terminals that support a specified older version of the Wi-Fi protocol but have poor compatibility. Of course, all wireless terminals connected to this radio frequency unit may also include wireless terminals that support a specified older version of the Wi-Fi protocol and have good compatibility.

[0037] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the application, the administrator can decide whether the AP works in normal working mode or in compatibility mode based on the actual network requirements of the WLAN where the AP is located.

[0038] For example, in a scenario where all wireless terminals that need to access the WLAN support the latest version of the Wi-Fi protocol, the AP's working mode can be set by the administrator to normal working mode.

[0039] In scenarios where a large number of wireless terminals that need to access the WLAN support older versions of Wi-Fi protocols, the AP's operating mode can be set to compatibility mode by the administrator.

[0040] Here, the administrator can set the AP's working mode by toggling the working mode switch on the AP. Of course, other methods can also be used, which will not be listed here.

[0041] In compatibility mode, any radio frequency unit on the AP broadcasts a Beacon message carrying parameter information for all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and a Beacon message carrying parameter information for a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol. Alternatively, it sends a probe response message carrying parameter information for all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and a probe response message carrying parameter information for a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol. This allows wireless terminals that support the specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol but have poor compatibility to successfully access the radio frequency unit without needing to upgrade their software or hardware, greatly saving network management costs. It also increases the probability that wireless terminals that support the new version of Wi-Fi protocol can access the radio frequency unit using the new version of Wi-Fi protocol, improving the network experience.

[0042] Here, the specified older Wi-Fi protocol can be set according to the actual network requirements of the WLAN where the AP is located. For example, the specified older Wi-Fi protocol can be Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 4, or it can include both Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4. When the specified older Wi-Fi protocol is Wi-Fi 5, the parameter information of the specified older Wi-Fi protocol includes the parameter information of both Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4.

[0043] For example, assuming the RF unit supports Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6, where Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5 are older versions of the Wi-Fi protocol, and Wi-Fi 6 is a newer version; assuming the specified older versions of the Wi-Fi protocol include Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5, then, when the AP's operating mode is set to compatibility mode, the RF unit will broadcast three Beacon messages according to a preset cycle: a Beacon message carrying parameter information for Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6; a Beacon message carrying parameter information for Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5; and a Beacon message carrying parameter information for Wi-Fi 4.

[0044] Accordingly, when the AP is operating in compatibility mode, if the radio frequency unit receives a probe request message from a wireless terminal that carries parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the wireless terminal, it will send three probe response messages to the wireless terminal: a probe response message carrying parameter information of Wi-Fi4, Wi-Fi5 and Wi-Fi6, a probe response message carrying parameter information of Wi-Fi4 and Wi-Fi5, and a probe response message carrying parameter information of Wi-Fi4.

[0045] Specifically, in the embodiments of this application, for any first wireless terminal, whether it needs to access the radio frequency unit can be determined by various existing determination methods. For example, the first wireless terminal can determine whether it needs to access the radio frequency unit based on the signal strength of the successfully identified Beacon message from the radio frequency unit.

[0046] In addition, when multiple Beacon messages from the radio frequency unit are successfully identified, the first wireless terminal can determine the Wi-Fi protocol corresponding to the highest version of the Wi-Fi protocol it supports from the parameter information of all identified groups as the Wi-Fi protocol it uses.

[0047] For example, suppose the radio frequency unit supports Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 4, where Wi-Fi 6 is the newest version of the Wi-Fi protocol. Also suppose the first wireless terminal supports the newest version of the Wi-Fi protocol and identifies three Beacon messages from the radio frequency unit: one carrying parameters for Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6; another carrying parameters for Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5; and a third carrying parameters for Wi-Fi 4. Then, the first wireless terminal can determine the Wi-Fi protocol it uses based on the highest supported version of the Wi-Fi protocol (i.e., Wi-Fi 6) among all the identified parameter information.

[0048] When the number of Beacon messages from the radio frequency unit is successfully identified as one, the first wireless terminal directly determines the Wi-Fi protocol corresponding to the highest version of the Wi-Fi protocol it supports from the identified parameter information as the Wi-Fi protocol it uses.

[0049] Furthermore, after determining the Wi-Fi protocol it uses, the first wireless terminal can access the radio frequency unit using existing access procedures.

[0050] It should be noted that any first wireless terminal can also actively broadcast a probe request message carrying parameter information for all Wi-Fi protocols it supports. After broadcasting the probe request message, if it successfully identifies the Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit, then the first wireless terminal will determine the Wi-Fi protocol to use based on the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, and use the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit. Subsequent probe response messages from the radio frequency unit will be processed in the existing manner.

[0051] After broadcasting the probe request message, if the probe response message from the radio frequency unit is successfully identified and it is determined that access to the radio frequency unit is required, the first wireless terminal will determine the Wi-Fi protocol it will use based on the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in the identified probe response message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, and then use the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit. Subsequent Beacon messages identified from the radio frequency unit will be processed in the existing manner. Correspondingly, for the second wireless terminal, the method for determining whether access to the radio frequency unit is required, the determination of its own Wi-Fi protocol, and the access process of using the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit are similar to the relevant processes performed by the first wireless terminal, and will not be detailed here.

[0052] Furthermore, after the second wireless terminal broadcasts the first probe request message, if it successfully identifies the Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit, then in this case, the second wireless terminal will determine the Wi-Fi protocol it needs to use based on the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, and use the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit. Subsequent detection response messages from the radio frequency unit will then be processed according to the existing method.

[0053] If, after broadcasting the probe request message, the second wireless terminal first identifies the first probe response message from the radio frequency unit and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit, then the second wireless terminal will determine the Wi-Fi protocol it needs to use based on the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in the identified first probe response message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, and will use the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit. Subsequent Beacon messages identified from the radio frequency unit will be processed in the existing manner.

[0054] Therefore, the terms "first wireless terminal" and "second wireless terminal" are used only to distinguish between active scanning and passive scanning scenarios, and are not used for other purposes.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the application, in order to guide wireless terminals supporting the latest version of the Wi-Fi protocol to access the designated AP using the latest version of the Wi-Fi protocol, thereby improving the user experience for users holding the wireless terminals, the radio frequency unit adds the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID to the Beacon message carrying the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol broadcast by the radio frequency unit. In this case, the radio frequency unit can also perform the following operations:

[0056] When receiving a second probe request message from any of the first wireless terminals that supports the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, carrying parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the wireless terminal and the Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol recorded locally, the radio frequency unit sends a second probe response message to the wireless terminal carrying parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit and the BSSID, so that the wireless terminal can access the radio frequency unit using the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol;

[0057] The second probe request message is sent by the wireless terminal when it successfully identifies a Beacon message carrying the protocol identifier of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol and the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID, and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. The BSSID is recorded locally by the first wireless terminal when it obtains the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID from the identified Beacon message.

[0058] It should be noted that, for any first wireless terminal, if it successfully identifies a Beacon message carrying the protocol identifier of the specified old version of Wi-Fi protocol, the new version of Wi-Fi protocol, and their corresponding BSSID, and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit, it no longer determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all the Wi-Fi protocols it supports. Instead, it sends a probe request message (i.e., the aforementioned second probe request message) carrying the parameter information of the new version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the first wireless terminal and the BSSID to the radio frequency unit. Subsequently, when it receives a probe response message (i.e., the aforementioned second probe response message) carrying the parameter information of the new version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit and the BSSID, it uses the new version of Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit, thereby improving the user experience of the relevant users.

[0059] If the successfully identified Beacon message includes a Beacon message carrying parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, and a Beacon message carrying the protocol identifier of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol, the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID, and it is determined that access to the radio frequency unit is required, the operation of determining the Wi-Fi protocol to be used will still be performed based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all the Wi-Fi protocols it supports.

[0060] Of course, in this embodiment of the application, the first probe response message broadcast by the radio frequency unit, which carries the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol, also includes the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID. In this case, the radio frequency unit can also perform the following operations:

[0061] When receiving a third probe request message from a second wireless terminal carrying parameter information of a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the second wireless terminal and a locally recorded BSSID corresponding to the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, the third probe response message carrying parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit is sent to the second wireless terminal, so that the second wireless terminal can access the radio frequency unit using the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol.

[0062] The third probe request message is sent by the second wireless terminal only when it successfully identifies the first probe response message carrying the protocol identifier of the specified old version of Wi-Fi protocol and the new version of Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID, and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. It is sent after accessing the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol. The BSSID is recorded locally by the second wireless terminal when it obtains the protocol identifier of the new version of Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID from the identified first probe response message.

[0063] It should be noted that, for the second wireless terminal, if it successfully identifies a first probe response message carrying the protocol identifier of the specified old version of Wi-Fi protocol, the new version of Wi-Fi protocol, and their corresponding BSSID, and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit, it no longer determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified first probe response message and the parameter information of all the Wi-Fi protocols it supports. Instead, it sends a third probe request message carrying the parameter information of the new version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the second wireless terminal and the BSSID to the radio frequency unit. Subsequently, when it receives a third probe response message carrying the parameter information of the new version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit and the BSSID, it uses the new version of Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit, thereby improving the user experience of the relevant users.

[0064] If the first probe response message is successfully identified as including a first probe response message carrying parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, and a first probe response message carrying the protocol identifier of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol, the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID, and it is determined that access to the radio frequency unit is required, the operation of determining the Wi-Fi protocol to be used is still performed based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified first probe response message and the parameter information of all the Wi-Fi protocols it supports.

[0065] The above wireless access method will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0066] like Figure 2 As shown, in a certain WLAN, wireless terminal 1 only supports Wi-Fi 4, wireless terminal 2 supports both Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5, and both wireless terminal 1 and wireless terminal 2 are wireless terminals with poor compatibility. Wireless terminal 3 supports Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6. AP1 supports Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6. Here, Wi-Fi 6 is the latest version of the Wi-Fi protocol, and... Figure 2 It also includes Figure 2 Other access points and other wireless terminals not shown.

[0067] Assuming the older versions of Wi-Fi protocols specified above include Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5. Assuming that at some point, the administrator sets AP1's operating mode to compatibility mode, then each radio unit on AP1 will broadcast three Beacon messages according to a preset cycle.

[0068] Assume that AP1 has two radio frequency (RF) units, RF unit 1 and RF unit 2. Taking RF unit 1 as an example, RF unit 1 broadcasts three Beacon messages: a Beacon message carrying parameters for Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6 (denoted as Beacon message 1), a Beacon message carrying parameters for Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5 (denoted as Beacon message 2), and a Beacon message carrying parameters for Wi-Fi 4 (denoted as Beacon message 3). Furthermore, the SSID carried in these three Beacon messages is the same (e.g., SSID 1). The specific content of the relevant Wi-Fi protocol parameters carried in these three Beacon messages is prior art and will not be listed here.

[0069] For wireless terminal 1, assuming it receives 3 Beacon messages broadcast by AP1 at the first moment, since wireless terminal 1 only supports Wi-Fi4, wireless terminal 1 cannot recognize Beacon message 1 and Beacon message 2, but can only successfully recognize Beacon message 3. That is, it recognizes that the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in Beacon message 3 is the parameter information of Wi-Fi4.

[0070] Assuming wireless terminal 1 determines that it needs to access radio frequency unit 1, it will identify the Wi-Fi protocol (i.e., Wi-Fi4) corresponding to the highest supported version of the parameter information it receives as its own Wi-Fi protocol and use Wi-Fi4 to access radio frequency unit 1. The specific access process is existing technology and will not be detailed here.

[0071] For wireless terminal 2, suppose it receives a Beacon message broadcast by radio frequency unit 1 at the second moment, for example, Beacon message 2. Since wireless terminal 2 supports Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5, it can successfully identify Beacon message 2, that is, it can identify the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in Beacon message 2, including the parameter information of Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5. The reason why wireless terminal 2 receives only a Beacon message here is mainly due to factors such as network latency.

[0072] Suppose that wireless terminal 2 determines that it needs to access radio frequency unit 1. At this time, wireless terminal 2 will identify the Wi-Fi protocol corresponding to the highest version of the parameter information it supports (i.e., Wi-Fi 5) as the Wi-Fi protocol it uses, and use Wi-Fi 5 to access radio frequency unit 1.

[0073] For wireless terminal 3, assuming it receives three Beacon messages broadcast by radio frequency unit 1 at the third moment, since wireless terminal 3 supports Wi-Fi 6, it can successfully identify Beacon message 1, Beacon message 2, and Beacon message 3, that is, it can identify three sets of parameter information, which are as follows:

[0074] The first group: parameter information for Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6;

[0075] The second group: Parameter information for Wi-Fi4 and Wi-Fi5;

[0076] The third group: Wi-Fi 4 parameter information.

[0077] Assuming that wireless terminal 3 determines that it needs to access radio frequency unit 1, wireless terminal 3 will identify the Wi-Fi protocol (i.e., Wi-Fi 6) corresponding to the highest version of the parameter information it supports from all the identified groups as the Wi-Fi protocol it uses, and then use Wi-Fi 6 to access radio frequency unit 1.

[0078] For example, suppose that wireless terminal 3 only receives Beacon message 2 broadcast by radio frequency unit 1 at the third moment, and Beacon message 2 also carries the Wi-Fi 6 protocol identifier and its corresponding BSSID. Then, if wireless terminal 3 successfully identifies Beacon message 2 and determines that it needs to access radio frequency unit 1, wireless terminal 3 sends a Probe Request message to radio frequency unit 1 carrying Wi-Fi 6 parameter information and the locally recorded Wi-Fi 6 corresponding BSSID. Here, the BSSID is the one that wireless terminal 3 recorded locally when it obtained the Wi-Fi 6 protocol identifier and its corresponding BSSID from the identified Beacon message 2.

[0079] Subsequently, when the wireless terminal 3 receives the Probe Response message carrying the Wi-Fi 6 parameter information and the BSSID sent by the radio frequency unit 1, it uses Wi-Fi 6 to access the radio frequency unit 1.

[0080] It should be further noted that any other wireless terminal, whether it supports a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol or a specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol with poor compatibility, can actively broadcast a Probe Request message (denoted as Probe Request message 1) carrying parameter information of all protocols it supports when it needs to access the above WLAN.

[0081] Assuming that RF unit 1 on AP1 subsequently receives Probe Request message 1 broadcast by the other wireless terminal, and AP1 is currently operating in compatibility mode, RF unit 1 will send three Probe Response messages to the other terminal: a Probe Response message carrying parameters for Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6 (denoted as Probe Response message 1), a Probe Response message carrying parameters for Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5 (denoted as Probe Response message 2), and a Probe Response message carrying parameters for Wi-Fi 4 (denoted as Probe Response message 3). Furthermore, the SSID carried in these three Probe Response messages is the same (e.g., SSID 1).

[0082] For the other wireless terminal, when it successfully identifies the Probe Response message from the radio frequency unit 1 and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit 1, it will determine the Wi-Fi protocol it uses based on the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in the identified Probe Response message and the parameter information of all the Wi-Fi protocols it supports, and then use the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit 1.

[0083] For example, suppose the other wireless terminal supports both Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5, and suppose that the other wireless terminal receives Probe Response message 2 and Probe Response message 3 sent by radio frequency unit 1 at the fourth moment. Since the other wireless terminal supports both Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5, it can successfully identify Probe Response message 2 and Probe Response message 3, that is, it can identify two sets of parameter information. One set of parameter information includes parameters for both Wi-Fi 4 and Wi-Fi 5, and the other set of parameter information only includes parameters for Wi-Fi 4.

[0084] Suppose that the other wireless terminal determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit 1, and at this time the other wireless terminal has not yet received the relevant Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit 1, in this case, the other wireless terminal will determine the Wi-Fi protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi 5) corresponding to the highest version of the parameter information it supports in these two sets of parameter information as the Wi-Fi protocol it uses, and use Wi-Fi 5 to access the radio frequency unit 1.

[0085] For example, suppose the other wireless terminal supports Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6. Suppose that the other wireless terminal receives three Probe Response messages sent by radio frequency unit 1 at the fifth moment. Since the other wireless terminal supports Wi-Fi 6, it can successfully identify Probe Response message 1, Probe Response message 2, and Probe Response message 3, that is, it can identify three sets of parameter information, which are:

[0086] The first group: parameter information for Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 6;

[0087] The second group: Parameter information for Wi-Fi4 and Wi-Fi5;

[0088] The third group: Wi-Fi 4 parameter information.

[0089] Suppose that the other wireless terminal determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit 1, and at this time the other wireless terminal has not yet received the relevant Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit 1, in this case, the other wireless terminal randomly selects the Wi-Fi protocol (i.e. Wi-Fi 6) corresponding to the highest version of the parameter information it supports from all the identified groups of parameter information as its own Wi-Fi protocol, and uses Wi-Fi 6 to access the radio frequency unit 1.

[0090] For example, suppose that the other wireless terminal only receives the ProbeResponse message 2 sent by RF unit 1 at the fifth moment, and the Probe Response message 2 also carries the Wi-Fi 6 protocol identifier and its corresponding BSSID. Then, if the other wireless terminal successfully identifies the Probe Response message 2 and determines that it needs to access RF unit 1, the other wireless terminal sends a Probe Request message to RF unit 1 carrying Wi-Fi 6 parameter information and the locally recorded Wi-Fi 6 corresponding BSSID. Here, the BSSID is the one that the other wireless terminal recorded locally when it obtained the Wi-Fi 6 protocol identifier and its corresponding BSSID from the identified Probe Response message 2.

[0091] Subsequently, when the other wireless terminal receives the Probe Response message carrying the Wi-Fi 6 parameter information and the BSSID sent by the radio frequency unit 1, it uses Wi-Fi 6 to access the radio frequency unit 1.

[0092] As can be seen from the above technical solutions, in the embodiments of this application, in a WLAN supporting a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, for any radio frequency unit on an AP supporting a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, once the AP's operating mode is set to compatibility mode, it will broadcast multiple Beacon messages according to a preset period. This allows the first wireless terminal receiving the Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit to successfully identify the Beacon message from that radio frequency unit and determine that the radio frequency unit to be accessed is that radio frequency unit. Based on the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the terminal determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol. Here, the multiple Beacon messages include parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit and parameter information of a specified older version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit.

[0093] Furthermore, if this radio frequency unit receives a first probe request message from any second wireless terminal carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the second wireless terminal, it will send multiple first probe response messages to the second wireless terminal. This allows the second wireless terminal to successfully identify the first probe response message from this radio frequency unit and determine that the radio frequency unit to be accessed is this radio frequency unit. Based on the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in the identified first probe response message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the second wireless terminal can determine its own Wi-Fi protocol and use the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit. Here, the multiple first probe response messages include parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit and parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. All wireless terminals accessing the radio frequency unit include at least wireless terminals supporting newer versions of Wi-Fi protocols and wireless terminals supporting the specified older versions of Wi-Fi protocols with poor compatibility.

[0094] As can be seen, in this wireless access process, regardless of whether a wireless terminal supports a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol or a wireless terminal that supports an older version of the Wi-Fi protocol and has poor compatibility, it can determine its own Wi-Fi protocol and use the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the relevant radio frequency unit on the relevant AP, based on the parameter information of the relevant Wi-Fi protocol carried in the Beacon message or Probe Response message from the radio frequency unit on the relevant AP, when the AP's operating mode is set to compatibility mode. In this way, wireless terminals supporting a specified older version of the Wi-Fi protocol and with poor compatibility can successfully access the relevant radio frequency unit without upgrading their software or hardware, greatly saving network management costs. Furthermore, it increases the probability that wireless terminals supporting the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol can access the radio frequency unit using the newer version, improving WLAN utilization and network experience.

[0095] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a wireless access device, which is applied to any radio frequency unit on an access point (AP). This radio frequency unit supports a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, and its structural schematic diagram is shown below. Figure 3 As shown, it specifically includes:

[0096] The broadcast module 31 is used to broadcast multiple Beacon messages at a preset period when the AP's working mode is set to compatibility mode, so that when at least one first wireless terminal that receives the Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit successfully identifies the Beacon message from the radio frequency unit and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit, it determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all the Wi-Fi protocols it supports, and uses the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit.

[0097] The first transceiver module 32 is configured to send multiple first probe response messages to any second wireless terminal when it receives a first probe request message carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the second wireless terminal. This enables the second wireless terminal to successfully identify the first probe response message from the radio frequency unit and determine that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. Based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified first probe response message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the second wireless terminal determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol.

[0098] The multiple Beacon messages include Beacon messages carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and Beacon messages carrying parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit.

[0099] The plurality of first probe response messages include a first probe response message carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and a first probe response message carrying parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. All wireless terminals connected to the radio frequency unit include at least wireless terminals that support the new version of Wi-Fi protocol and wireless terminals that support the specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol but have poor compatibility.

[0100] Preferably, the Beacon messages among the plurality of Beacon messages that include parameter information of a specified older version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit also carry the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID;

[0101] The device further includes:

[0102] Second transceiver module ( Figure 3(Not shown in the image), is used to send a second probe response message to any of the at least one first wireless terminals that supports a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, carrying parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the wireless terminal and a locally recorded Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) corresponding to the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, so that the wireless terminal can access the radio frequency unit using the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol;

[0103] The second probe request message is sent by the wireless terminal when it successfully identifies a Beacon message carrying the protocol identifier of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol and the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID, and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. The BSSID is recorded locally by the first wireless terminal when it obtains the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID from the identified Beacon message.

[0104] Preferably, the first probe response message among the plurality of first probe response messages, which carries parameter information of a specified older version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit, also carries the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID.

[0105] The device further includes:

[0106] Third transceiver module ( Figure 3 (Not shown in the image), is used to send a third probe response message to the second wireless terminal when it receives a third probe request message from the second wireless terminal carrying parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the second wireless terminal and the BSSID corresponding to the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol recorded locally, so that the second wireless terminal can access the radio frequency unit using the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol;

[0107] The third probe request message is sent by the second wireless terminal when it successfully identifies a Beacon message carrying the protocol identifier of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol and the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID, and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. The BSSID is recorded locally by the second wireless terminal when it obtains the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID from the identified first probe response message.

[0108] In this embodiment, in a WLAN supporting a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, for any radio frequency unit on an AP supporting the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, once the AP's operating mode is set to compatibility mode, it will broadcast multiple Beacon messages according to a preset period. This allows the first wireless terminal receiving the Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit to successfully identify the Beacon message from that radio frequency unit and determine that the radio frequency unit to be accessed is that unit. Based on the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the terminal determines the Wi-Fi protocol it will use and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol. Here, the multiple Beacon messages include parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit and parameter information of a specified older version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit.

[0109] Furthermore, if this radio frequency unit receives a first probe request message from any second wireless terminal carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the second wireless terminal, it will send multiple first probe response messages to the second wireless terminal. This allows the second wireless terminal to successfully identify the first probe response message from this radio frequency unit and determine that the radio frequency unit to be accessed is this radio frequency unit. Based on the Wi-Fi protocol parameter information carried in the identified first probe response message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the second wireless terminal can determine its own Wi-Fi protocol and use the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the radio frequency unit. Here, the multiple first probe response messages include parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit and parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. All wireless terminals accessing the radio frequency unit include wireless terminals supporting newer versions of Wi-Fi protocols and wireless terminals supporting the specified older versions of Wi-Fi protocols but with poor compatibility.

[0110] As can be seen, in this wireless access process, regardless of whether a wireless terminal supports a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol or a wireless terminal that supports an older version of the Wi-Fi protocol and has poor compatibility, it can determine its own Wi-Fi protocol and use the determined Wi-Fi protocol to access the relevant radio frequency unit on the relevant AP, based on the parameter information of the relevant Wi-Fi protocol carried in the Beacon message or Probe Response message from the radio frequency unit on the relevant AP, when the AP's operating mode is set to compatibility mode. In this way, wireless terminals supporting a specified older version of the Wi-Fi protocol and with poor compatibility can successfully access the relevant radio frequency unit without upgrading their software or hardware, greatly saving network management costs. Furthermore, it increases the probability that wireless terminals supporting the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol can access the radio frequency unit using the newer version, improving WLAN utilization and network experience.

[0111] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A wireless access method, characterized in that, The method is applied to any radio frequency unit on an access point (AP) that supports a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, and the method includes: When the AP's operating mode is set to compatibility mode, multiple Beacon messages are broadcast according to a preset period. This allows at least one first wireless terminal that receives the Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit to successfully identify the Beacon message from the radio frequency unit and determine that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. Based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all the Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the terminal determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol. When receiving a first probe request message from any second wireless terminal carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the second wireless terminal, the system sends multiple first probe response messages to the second wireless terminal. This enables the second wireless terminal to successfully identify the first probe response message from the radio frequency unit and determine that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. Based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified first probe response message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the system determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol. The multiple Beacon messages include Beacon messages carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and Beacon messages carrying parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. The plurality of first probe response messages include a first probe response message carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and a first probe response message carrying parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. All wireless terminals connected to the radio frequency unit include at least wireless terminals that support the new version of Wi-Fi protocol and wireless terminals that support the specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol but have poor compatibility.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Among the multiple Beacon messages, the Beacon message carrying parameter information of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit also carries the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID). The method further includes: When receiving a second probe request message from any of the at least one first wireless terminals that supports a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, carrying parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the wireless terminal and a locally recorded Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) corresponding to the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, a second probe response message carrying parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit and the BSSID is sent to the wireless terminal, so that the wireless terminal can access the radio frequency unit using the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol; The second probe request message is sent by the wireless terminal when it successfully identifies a Beacon message carrying the protocol identifier of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol and the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID, and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. The BSSID is recorded locally by the first wireless terminal when it obtains the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID from the identified Beacon message.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first probe response messages included in the plurality of first probe response messages also include the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID, which carry parameter information of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. The method further includes: When receiving a third probe request message from the second wireless terminal carrying parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the second wireless terminal and the BSSID corresponding to the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol recorded locally, the third probe response message carrying parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit and the BSSID is sent to the second wireless terminal, so that the second wireless terminal can access the radio frequency unit using the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol; The third probe request message is sent by the second wireless terminal when it successfully identifies the first probe response message carrying the protocol identifier of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol and the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID, and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. The BSSID is recorded locally by the second wireless terminal when it obtains the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID from the identified first probe response message.

4. A wireless access device, characterized in that, The device is applied to any radio frequency unit on an access point (AP), the radio frequency unit supporting a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, and the device includes: The broadcast module is used to broadcast multiple Beacon messages at a preset period when the AP's working mode is set to compatibility mode. This allows at least one first wireless terminal that receives the Beacon message broadcast by the radio frequency unit to successfully identify the Beacon message from the radio frequency unit and determine that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. Based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified Beacon message and the parameter information of all the Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the terminal determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol. The first transceiver module is configured to send multiple first probe response messages to any second wireless terminal when it receives a first probe request message carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the second wireless terminal. This enables the second wireless terminal to successfully identify the first probe response message from the radio frequency unit and determine that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. Based on the parameter information of the Wi-Fi protocol carried in the identified first probe response message and the parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols it supports, the second wireless terminal determines the Wi-Fi protocol it uses and accesses the radio frequency unit using the determined Wi-Fi protocol. The multiple Beacon messages include Beacon messages carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and Beacon messages carrying parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. The plurality of first probe response messages include a first probe response message carrying parameter information of all Wi-Fi protocols supported by the radio frequency unit, and a first probe response message carrying parameter information of a specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. All wireless terminals connected to the radio frequency unit include at least wireless terminals that support the new version of Wi-Fi protocol and wireless terminals that support the specified older version of Wi-Fi protocol but have poor compatibility.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, Among the multiple Beacon messages, the Beacon message carrying parameter information of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit also carries the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID). The device further includes: The second transceiver module is configured to send a second probe response message to any of the at least one first wireless terminals that supports a new version of the Wi-Fi protocol. This message carries parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the wireless terminal and a locally recorded Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) corresponding to the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol. The second transceiver module is configured to send a second probe response message to the wireless terminal that supports the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol, which carries parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the wireless terminal and a locally recorded Basic Service Set Identifier (BSSID) corresponding to the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol. This allows the wireless terminal to access the radio frequency unit using the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol. The second probe request message is sent by the wireless terminal when it successfully identifies a Beacon message carrying the protocol identifier of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol and the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID, and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. The BSSID is recorded locally by the first wireless terminal when it obtains the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID from the identified Beacon message.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first probe response messages included in the plurality of first probe response messages also include the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID, which carry parameter information of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the radio frequency unit. The device further includes: The third transceiver module is used to send a third probe response message to the second wireless terminal when it receives a third probe request message from the second wireless terminal carrying parameter information of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol supported by the second wireless terminal and the BSSID corresponding to the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol recorded locally, so that the second wireless terminal can access the radio frequency unit using the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol; The third probe request message is sent by the second wireless terminal when it successfully identifies the first probe response message carrying the protocol identifier of the specified old version of the Wi-Fi protocol and the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID, and determines that it needs to access the radio frequency unit. The BSSID is recorded locally by the second wireless terminal when it obtains the protocol identifier of the new version of the Wi-Fi protocol and its corresponding BSSID from the identified first probe response message.

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