Wireless roaming method, system, electronic device and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

The present invention discloses a wireless roaming method, system, electronic device and computer-readable storage medium. The method includes: obtaining a fast roaming request message sent by a wireless site, wherein the fast roaming request message is used to request the wireless site to quickly roam from a first access point to a second access point; interacting with the first access point to determine configuration information associated with the wireless site, wherein the configuration information is used to support the wireless site to implement network functions; responding to the fast roaming request message, based on the configuration information, sending a fast roaming response message to the wireless site, and communicating with the wireless site. The present invention solves the technical problem that when a wireless site seamlessly roams between multiple access points in a fast roaming manner, some configurations at the wireless site become invalid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wireless communication technology, and in particular to a wireless roaming method, system, electronic device and computer-readable storage medium. Background Art

[0002] In a wireless network, a wireless station (STA) can access the wireless network through a wireless access point (AP). A wireless station can seamlessly roam between multiple access points in a wireless network through fast transition. However, when seamlessly roaming between multiple access points in a fast roaming manner, some configurations at the wireless station become invalid, seriously affecting the user experience.

[0003] To address the above-mentioned problems, no effective solution has been proposed yet. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention provide a wireless roaming method, system, electronic device and computer-readable storage medium to at least solve the technical problem of certain configuration failures at a wireless station when the wireless station seamlessly roams between multiple access points in a fast roaming manner.

[0005] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a wireless roaming method is provided, comprising: obtaining a fast roaming request message sent by a wireless site, wherein the fast roaming request message is used to request the wireless site to quickly roam from a first access point to a second access point; interacting with the first access point to determine configuration information associated with the wireless site, wherein the configuration information is used to support the wireless site to implement network functions; in response to the fast roaming request message, based on the configuration information, sending a fast roaming response message to the wireless site, and communicating with the wireless site.

[0006] Optionally, interacting with the first access point to determine configuration information associated with the wireless site includes: receiving configuration information to be verified broadcast by the first access point, and a wireless site identifier to be verified corresponding to the configuration information to be verified; caching the configuration information to be verified and the wireless site identifier to be verified; determining the identifier of the wireless site based on a fast roaming request message; and determining that the configuration information to be verified is configuration information when the wireless site identifier to be verified matches the identifier of the wireless site.

[0007] Optionally, receiving configuration information to be verified broadcasted by the first access point, and a wireless site identifier to be verified corresponding to the configuration information to be verified, includes: receiving a key communication message broadcasted by the first access point, wherein the first access point sends the configuration information to be verified and the wireless site identifier to be verified to the second access point via the key communication message; parsing the key communication message to determine the configuration information to be verified and the wireless site identifier to be verified.

[0008] Optionally, interacting with the first access point to determine configuration information associated with the wireless site includes: determining an identifier of the wireless site based on a fast roaming request message; sending a configuration information detection message to the first access point, wherein the configuration information detection message includes the identifier of the wireless site, and the first access point responds to the configuration information detection message by sending a configuration information response message to the second access point, wherein the configuration information response message includes configuration information matching the identifier of the wireless site; and receiving the configuration information response message sent by the first access point to determine the configuration information.

[0009] Optionally, receiving a configuration information response message sent by the first access point and determining the configuration information includes: the second access point uses the received key communication message as the configuration information response message, and determines the configuration information in the key communication message, wherein the first access point adds configuration information matching the identifier of the wireless site to the key communication message.

[0010] Optionally, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: configuration information of a dynamic virtual local area network, configuration information of a media access control MAC address authentication, and configuration information of a remote authentication dial-in user service RADIUS.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, another wireless roaming method is provided, including: establishing a communication link between a first access point and a wireless site, and obtaining configuration information associated with the wireless site, wherein the configuration information is used to support the wireless site to implement network functions; interacting with a second access point, sending configuration information to the second access point, wherein the second access point obtains a fast roaming request message sent by the wireless site, wherein the fast roaming request message is used to request the wireless site to quickly roam from the first access point to the second access point; the second access point also responds to the fast roaming request message, sends a fast roaming response message to the wireless site based on the configuration information, and communicates with the wireless site.

[0012] Optionally, interacting with the second access point and sending configuration information to the second access point includes: broadcasting the configuration information and the identifier of the wireless site to the second access point, wherein the second access point caches the configuration information and the identifier of the wireless site.

[0013] Optionally, broadcasting the configuration information and the identifier of the wireless site to the second access point includes: broadcasting the configuration information and the identifier of the wireless site to the second access point through a key communication message.

[0014] Optionally, interacting with the second access point and sending configuration information to the second access point includes: receiving a configuration information detection message sent by the second access point, wherein the configuration information detection message includes an identifier of the wireless site; and sending a configuration information response message to the second access point in response to the configuration information detection message, wherein the configuration information response message includes configuration information matching the identifier of the wireless site.

[0015] Optionally, in response to the configuration information detection message, sending a configuration information response message to the second access point includes: in response to the configuration information detection message, adding configuration information matching the identifier of the wireless site to the key communication message; sending the key communication message as a configuration information response message to the second access point, wherein the configuration information is determined in the key communication message received at the second access point.

[0016] Optionally, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: configuration information of a dynamic virtual local area network, configuration information of a media access control MAC address authentication, and configuration information of a remote authentication dial-in user service RADIUS.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a wireless roaming system is provided, comprising: a server, and a plurality of access points controlled by the server, the plurality of access points comprising a first access point, a second access point and the server, wherein the first access point is used to obtain configuration information associated with the wireless site during connection with the wireless site, wherein the configuration information is used to support the wireless site to implement network functions; the second access point is also used to obtain a fast roaming request message sent by the wireless site when the wireless site moves from an area covered by the first access point to an area covered by the second access point, wherein the fast roaming request message is used to request the wireless site to quickly roam from the first access point to the second access point; and is also used to interact with the first access point, determine the configuration information, and in response to the fast roaming request message, send a fast roaming response message to the wireless site based on the configuration information, and communicate with the wireless site.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium including a stored executable program, wherein when the executable program is executed, the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located is controlled to execute any one of the wireless roaming methods described above.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, comprising: a memory storing an executable program; and a processor for running the program, wherein any one of the above wireless roaming methods is executed when the program is running.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of any one of the above wireless roaming methods are implemented.

[0021] In the embodiment of the present invention, the second access point interacts with the first access point to obtain configuration information associated with the wireless site and used to support the wireless site to implement network functions from the first access point, thereby achieving the purpose of having relevant configuration information at both the access point and the wireless site, thereby achieving the technical effect of making the configuration of the access point and the wireless site effective, and further solving the technical problem of invalid configurations at the wireless site when the wireless site seamlessly roams between multiple access points in a fast roaming manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this application. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a fast roaming process;

[0024] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a wireless roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an optional roaming process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another optional roaming process according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 is a flow chart of another wireless roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6 The figure is a structural block diagram of a wireless roaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the scheme of the present invention, the technical scheme in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present invention and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0031] First, some nouns or terms that appear in the description of the embodiments of the present application are subject to the following explanations:

[0032] Wireless roaming is the process of seamlessly switching between different wireless access points for mobile devices (wireless stations) in a wireless communication network. This technology allows users to maintain network connection during movement without interruption of connection due to moving from one wireless access point to another.

[0033] Dynamic VLAN (dynamic vlan, DVLAN) is a type of virtual local area network (VLAN), which allows users to be automatically assigned to different VLANs according to specific policies. To set up and configure dynamic VLAN, you need to provide the parameters required to configure dynamic VLAN on the network switch, and you also need to configure the users (i.e. STA) and devices (i.e. AP) in the network separately to ensure that the network settings on the user devices match the dynamic VLAN policy so that they can be correctly assigned to the corresponding VLAN.

[0034] Media Access Control Address (MAC) authentication is a method of authenticating a network device based on its physical address. A MAC address is an address that uniquely identifies a network device. With MAC address authentication, network administrators can control access to network resources and ensure that only authorized devices can connect to the network. Running MAC address authentication requires collecting the MAC addresses of devices, configuring network devices, setting access control policies, and performing regular monitoring and maintenance.

[0035] Remote Authentication Dial In User Service (RADIUS) is a network protocol used for authentication, authorization, and billing of remote access services. The main purpose of RADIUS is to provide secure, reliable, and scalable communication between network access servers and central databases to achieve authentication and authorization of remote users. This protocol is widely used in various network environments, such as virtual private networks, wireless LANs, and dial-up services. Running a RADIUS system requires configuring key information such as user databases, authentication protocols, authorization policies, billing policies, security settings, and log monitoring.

[0036] In the related art, a wireless network communication protocol is provided, the full name of which is IEEE 802.11r-2008, referred to as 802.11r. The main purpose of this protocol is to improve the security of wireless networks and simplify the configuration process of wireless networks. The 802.11r protocol specifies a fast roaming technology, namely "Fast BSS Transition (FT)".

[0037] The main purpose of fast roaming is to improve the user experience of wireless networks, especially when a wireless station (STA) switches between different wireless access points (APs), it can quickly connect to a new access point and reduce the interruption time during roaming.

[0038] Specifically, when a mobile device roams between two access points using the fast roaming technology specified in the 802.11r protocol, when the wireless station is about to leave the current access point, it will automatically send an authentication request to other nearby access points so that the authentication process can be completed quickly when it arrives at the new access point; once the wireless station completes the authentication of the new access point, it will immediately switch to the new access point, thereby reducing the time of connection interruption. In addition, the 802.11r protocol also specifies a key management mechanism to ensure the security of data during roaming.

[0039] However, problems usually arise when other services are combined with fast roaming technology. Since fast roaming achieves seamless roaming by simplifying the connection steps, the connection process with other access points is not a complete connection process in essence. In other words, some configuration information that the AP can obtain during normal connection to implement services other than fast roaming services (such as configuration information for implementing dynamic virtual LAN services) will be lost because the fast roaming process simplifies the steps in normal connection, resulting in the STA and AP using fast roaming technology for seamless roaming. The relevant information pre-configured on the STA side to implement other services is not effective, that is, the AP cannot provide STA with services other than fast roaming services, which seriously affects the user experience. It should be noted that the services other than fast roaming services mentioned here refer to all the services that the AP can provide to the STA, and the services that require the AP to request configuration information from the server to take effect after the AP connects to the STA for the first time.

[0040] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the fast roaming process. In the dynamic virtual LAN technology, the server will assign the STA to a virtual LAN (vlan) based on the STA's information and bind the STA's ID with the assigned vlan ID. When the STA associates, the AP requests the STA's vlan information from the server and assigns it a corresponding value. Figure 1 As shown, taking the case of supporting both fast roaming technology and dynamic virtual LAN technology during network connection as an example, since the dynamic virtual LAN technology needs to request the VLAN bound to the MAC address from the server each time the STA is associated, that is, a complete connection process is required, this will cause the STA to roam quickly from the initial AP, i.e. AP1, to another AP, i.e. AP2. At this time, AP2 will not request the VLAN identifier corresponding to the STA from the server. At this time, the dynamic virtual LAN technology will fail, which will seriously affect the customer's use.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method embodiment of wireless roaming is provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart of the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer executable instructions, and although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in an order different from that shown here.

[0042] Figure 2 The present invention is a flowchart of a wireless roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention, which aims to ensure that a wireless station STA (such as a mobile device) can seamlessly continue its network connection while retaining all necessary configuration information when it quickly roams from a first access point (AP1) to a second access point (AP2). Figure 2 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0043] Step S202: The second access point obtains a fast roaming request message sent by the wireless station, wherein the fast roaming request message is used to request the wireless station to fast roam from the first access point to the second access point.

[0044] In this step, the terminal device (i.e., the wireless station STA) detects that the quality of the wireless signal to which it is currently connected (i.e., the signal of the first access point AP1) has decreased, while the signal quality of another wireless access point (the second access point AP2) is better. In order to maintain the stability and performance of the network connection, the wireless station will send a fast roaming request message to AP2. The request message contains the identity information of the wireless station (such as the MAC address) and the willingness to request a quick switch to AP2. The fast roaming request message can specifically be a message that complies with the 802.11r standard, which can simplify the roaming process and reduce the connection interruption time. The executor of this step can be AP2, i.e., the second access point.

[0045] Step S204: The second access point interacts with the first access point to determine configuration information associated with the wireless site, wherein the configuration information is used to support the wireless site to implement a network function.

[0046] In this step, in order to implement other services during the communication between AP2 and STA, it is necessary to obtain the configuration information required for other services to provide services normally, that is, the configuration information associated with the wireless station here. Specifically, you can choose to interact with AP1 to obtain the configuration information of the wireless station on AP1. It should be noted that the configuration information mentioned here is the configuration information used to support the wireless station to implement network functions, that is, the configuration information used to support STA to implement other services. Further, other services refer to all services that AP can provide to STA, except for fast roaming services, and the services that AP needs to request configuration information from the server to take effect after the first connection with STA. In addition, the network function mentioned here refers to certain functions or services provided by the computer network to STA, including all services that the above-mentioned AP can provide to STA, and the services that AP needs to request configuration information from the server to take effect after the first connection with STA. In short, before AP2 officially communicates with STA, in addition to obtaining configuration information related to fast roaming services, it also needs configuration information required to enable STA to implement certain network functions normally, such as dynamic virtual LAN function, media access control MAC address authentication function, remote user dial-in authentication service RADIUS function, etc.

[0047] Step S206: In response to the fast roaming request message, the second access point sends a fast roaming response message to the wireless station based on the configuration information, and communicates with the wireless station.

[0048] In this step, once AP2 obtains the configuration information of the wireless station from AP1, it can generate a fast roaming response message and send it to the wireless station. The fast roaming response message confirms that the wireless station has been allowed to access AP2 and also confirms that the wireless station can immediately continue its network activities according to the original configuration. After that, the wireless station establishes a connection with AP2 and starts using the wireless network services provided by AP2. This process ensures the seamlessness of roaming and avoids the delays and inconveniences that may be caused by reconfiguration.

[0049] Through the above steps, the purpose of having relevant configuration information at both the access point and the wireless site is achieved, ensuring the consistency of the configuration information of the wireless site during the fast roaming process, thereby achieving the technical effect of making the configuration of the access point and the wireless site effective, thereby solving the technical problem of some configuration failures at the wireless site when the wireless site seamlessly roams between multiple access points in a fast roaming manner, thereby significantly improving the user experience.

[0050] As an optional embodiment, the second access point interacts with the first access point to determine configuration information associated with the wireless site, including: the second access point receives the configuration information to be verified broadcast by the first access point, and the wireless site identifier to be verified corresponding to the configuration information to be verified; the second access point caches the configuration information to be verified and the wireless site identifier to be verified; the second access point determines the identifier of the wireless site based on the fast roaming request message; the second access point determines that the configuration information to be verified is configuration information when the wireless site identifier to be verified matches the identifier of the wireless site.

[0051] Optionally, in order to improve the efficiency of obtaining configuration information and reduce communication overhead during fast roaming, AP1 can interact with AP2 by broadcasting the identifier of the wireless site and the corresponding configuration information, so that AP2 can determine the configuration information corresponding to the wireless site.

[0052] Specifically, when a wireless station is connected to AP1 for the first time, AP1 will obtain the configuration information of the station. Subsequently, AP1 will broadcast this information together with the wireless station's identifier (such as MAC address) to all access points in the same mobile domain, including AP2. After receiving the broadcast information, AP2 will cache the "configuration information to be verified" and the corresponding "wireless station identifier to be verified". The purpose of the cache is that when a wireless station quickly roams to AP2 later, AP2 can directly access the information in the cache without having to communicate with AP1 in real time again, thereby significantly reducing the delay and communication overhead during the roaming process and improving roaming efficiency.

[0053] When the wireless station sends a fast roaming request message to AP2, the message contains the identification information of the wireless station. After receiving this request, AP2 first parses the message, extracts the identification of the wireless station (MAC address, etc.), and compares the extracted wireless station identification with the "wireless station identification to be verified" in the cache. If the two match, it means that the wireless station is the wireless station mentioned in the previous AP1 broadcast information. In this case, AP2 determines the "configuration information to be verified" in the cache as the configuration information, which is used for the subsequent generation and transmission of fast roaming response messages, ensuring that the wireless station can immediately continue its network activities according to the previous configuration in AP1 after roaming to AP2.

[0054] This optional embodiment enables AP2 to quickly verify and determine the configuration information of the wireless site by pre-broadcasting and caching configuration information, thereby achieving a more efficient, low-latency fast roaming process, which is particularly suitable for scenarios with high mobility and network performance requirements.

[0055] As an optional embodiment, the second access point receives the configuration information to be verified broadcasted by the first access point, and the wireless site identifier to be verified corresponding to the configuration information to be verified, including: the second access point receives the key communication message broadcasted by the first access point, wherein the first access point sends the configuration information to be verified and the wireless site identifier to be verified to the second access point via the key communication message; the second access point parses the key communication message to determine the configuration information to be verified and the wireless site identifier to be verified.

[0056] Optionally, if the key exchange process specified in the original communication protocol is carried out in a push mode, the configuration information can be broadcasted through the key communication message for key exchange specified in the original protocol, which can not only enhance the security of data transmission, but also realize the transmission of wireless site configuration information without adding additional interaction processes on the basis of the original fast roaming process interaction process, thereby reducing resource waste. Among them, the push mode refers to the mode in which the sender of the information acts as the active party in the information exchange process.

[0057] As an optional embodiment, the second access point interacts with the first access point to determine configuration information associated with the wireless site, including: the second access point determines the identifier of the wireless site based on the fast roaming request message; the second access point sends a configuration information detection message to the first access point, wherein the configuration information detection message includes the identifier of the wireless site, the first access point responds to the configuration information detection message and sends a configuration information response message to the second access point, the configuration information response message includes configuration information matching the identifier of the wireless site; the second access point receives the configuration information response message sent by the first access point to determine the configuration information.

[0058] Optionally, AP2 can directly interact with AP1 to obtain the configuration information of the wireless station STA. Specifically, when the wireless station is ready to quickly roam from AP1 to AP2, it will send a fast roaming request message to AP2, which contains the identification information of the wireless station, usually the MAC address. After receiving the fast roaming request message, AP2 first parses the message and extracts the identification of the wireless station. After determining the identification of the wireless station, AP2 will generate and send a configuration information detection message to AP1.

[0059] The configuration information detection message contains the wireless site identifier, and its purpose is to request AP1 to provide the wireless site configuration information that matches the identifier. After receiving the configuration information detection message from AP2, AP1 will search for the configuration information that matches the wireless site identifier in its own database. Once found, AP1 will generate a configuration information response message, encapsulate the configuration information in it, and send it to AP2. The configuration information response message is a direct response to the detection message, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of the configuration information.

[0060] Finally, AP2 receives and parses the configuration information response message sent from AP1 and extracts the configuration information. In this way, when the wireless station completes fast roaming on AP2, it can immediately continue its network activities according to the original configuration information, ensuring the seamlessness of the roaming process.

[0061] Through this optional embodiment, AP2 can obtain the configuration information of the wireless site in real time and accurately during the roaming process, avoiding information loss or network service interruption, and at the same time enhancing data security through direct message interaction.

[0062] As an optional embodiment, the second access point receives a configuration information response message sent by the first access point and determines the configuration information, including: the second access point uses the received key communication message as a configuration information response message, and determines the configuration information in the key communication message, wherein the first access point adds configuration information that matches the identifier of the wireless site to the key communication message.

[0063] Optionally, if the key exchange process specified in the original communication protocol is performed in a pull mode, the configuration information can be transmitted through the key communication message specified in the original protocol for key exchange, which can not only enhance the security of data transmission, but also realize the transmission of wireless site configuration information without adding additional interaction processes on the basis of the original fast roaming process interaction process, thereby reducing resource waste. Among them, the pull mode refers to the mode in which the receiver of the information acts as the active party during the information exchange process.

[0064] As an optional embodiment, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: configuration information of a dynamic virtual local area network, configuration information of a media access control MAC address authentication, and configuration information of a remote authentication dial-in user service RADIUS.

[0065] Optionally, the configuration information may be of various types, and may be configuration information required by various network services, specifically, it may be configuration information of a dynamic virtual local area network, configuration information of a media access control address authentication, or configuration information of a remote user dial-up authentication service.

[0066] During fast roaming, AP2 can obtain key configuration information of wireless stations on AP1, including but not limited to dynamic VLAN allocation, MAC address authentication status, and RADIUS authentication results, ensuring the access rights, security, and consistency of network services of roaming stations during network mobility, avoiding network access interruption or re-authentication due to loss of configuration information, and providing a smoother and safer network roaming experience.

[0067] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an optional roaming process according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown in the figure, when a STA accesses AP1, AP1 will cache the configuration information of the STA and broadcast it to all APs in the mobility domain. At this time, if the terminal roams quickly, the access point (AP2) will actively search for the configuration information of the terminal in its own cache and make it effective. The mobility domain refers to the mobility range of a STA managed by an AP. Within a mobility domain, a STA can switch seamlessly between different APs, while re-authentication and connection establishment are required between different mobility domains.

[0068] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of another optional roaming process according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown in the figure, STA accesses AP1, and AP1 will cache the configuration information of the terminal. When STA quickly roams to AP2, AP2 will actively send a request message to AP1 to obtain the configuration corresponding to the STA. After confirming that it is correct, AP1 returns the configuration to AP2 through a reply message. Finally, the STA is still in the configuration requirements after 802.11r roaming, and can provide users with various services normally.

[0069] Figure 5 is a flow chart of another wireless roaming method according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the execution subject of the method is a first access point (AP1), such as Figure 5As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0070] Step S502: The first access point establishes a communication link between the first access point and the wireless station, and obtains configuration information associated with the wireless station, wherein the configuration information is used to support the wireless station to implement a network function.

[0071] In this step, the wireless station (STA) connects to the first access point (AP1) for the first time and establishes a wireless communication link. In the process of establishing the link, AP1 obtains or calculates configuration information related to the STA from the server or through local policies, such as dynamic VLAN allocation, MAC address authentication information, RADIUS authentication information, etc. After obtaining the configuration information, AP1 associates it with the wireless station's identifier (such as MAC address) and stores it in preparation for subsequent configuration information sharing.

[0072] In step S504, the first access point interacts with the second access point and sends configuration information to the second access point, wherein the second access point obtains a fast roaming request message sent by the wireless site, wherein the fast roaming request message is used to request the wireless site to quickly roam from the first access point to the second access point; the second access point also responds to the fast roaming request message, based on the configuration information, sends a fast roaming response message to the wireless site, and communicates with the wireless site, wherein the fast roaming response message is used to indicate that the wireless site has accessed the second access point.

[0073] In this step, when the wireless station is ready to quickly roam from AP1 to the second access point (AP2), configuration information needs to be exchanged between AP1 and AP2 to ensure that AP2 can seamlessly apply the station's configuration information. After receiving the configuration information, AP2 generates a fast roaming response message based on this information and sends it to the wireless station. The fast roaming response message contains confirmation information, indicating that the wireless station has been allowed to access AP2 and has confirmed its configuration information. Then, the wireless station completes the fast switching to AP2 based on the received fast roaming response message and starts communicating with AP2.

[0074] Through the above steps, the purpose of having relevant configuration information at both the access point and the wireless site is achieved, ensuring the consistency of the configuration information of the wireless site during the fast roaming process, thereby achieving the technical effect of making the configuration of the access point and the wireless site effective, thereby solving the technical problem of some configuration failures at the wireless site when the wireless site seamlessly roams between multiple access points in a fast roaming manner, thereby significantly improving the user experience.

[0075] As an optional embodiment, the first access point interacts with the second access point and sends configuration information to the second access point, including: the first access point broadcasts the configuration information and the identifier of the wireless site to the second access point, wherein the second access point caches the configuration information and the identifier of the wireless site.

[0076] Optionally, after the wireless site accesses the network for the first time and completes the configuration, AP1 may broadcast the configuration information together with the site identifier to all relevant access points including AP2 to ensure the continuity of the configuration information during fast roaming.

[0077] When a wireless station establishes communication with AP1 for the first time and completes configuration, such as dynamic VLAN allocation, MAC authentication information, RADIUS authentication information, etc., AP1 will encapsulate these configuration information and the wireless station's identifier (usually the MAC address) into a broadcast message. This broadcast message will be sent to all access points in the same mobility domain, including AP2. The use of broadcast messages ensures that all potential access points can immediately obtain the latest configuration information without the need for real-time requests when roaming occurs, thereby reducing roaming delays and improving network response speed.

[0078] After receiving the message broadcast by AP1, AP2 will parse the configuration information and wireless station identification information in the message and cache it in the local database. When the wireless station switches to AP2 in fast roaming, AP2 can immediately apply the pre-cached configuration information without waiting for additional time to obtain information from AP1 or the server, thus achieving seamless roaming.

[0079] Through this optional embodiment, the access points in the network can pre-share and store the configuration information of the wireless sites, ensuring that in the fast roaming scenario, the wireless sites can seamlessly switch from AP1 to AP2 without re-acquiring or verifying the configuration information, greatly improving the mobility and user experience of the network. At the same time, the broadcast mechanism reduces the frequency of direct point-to-point requests, reduces the communication load of the network, and improves the overall network efficiency. The cache strategy provides backup for network services in emergencies, enhancing the stability and reliability of the network.

[0080] As an optional embodiment, the first access point broadcasts the configuration information and the identifier of the wireless station to the second access point, including: the first access point broadcasts the configuration information and the identifier of the wireless station to the second access point through a key communication message.

[0081] Optionally, if the key exchange process specified in the original communication protocol is carried out in a push mode, AP1 can broadcast configuration information through the key communication message specified in the original protocol for key exchange, which can not only enhance the security of data transmission, but also realize the transmission of wireless site configuration information without adding additional interaction processes on the basis of the original fast roaming process interaction process, thereby reducing resource waste. Among them, the push mode refers to the mode in which the sender of information acts as the active party in the information exchange process.

[0082] As an optional embodiment, the first access point interacts with the second access point and sends configuration information to the second access point, including: the first access point receives a configuration information detection message sent by the second access point, wherein the configuration information detection message includes an identifier of the wireless site; the first access point responds to the configuration information detection message and sends a configuration information response message to the second access point, wherein the configuration information response message includes configuration information matching the identifier of the wireless site.

[0083] Optionally, AP1 can perform a point-to-point request-response mechanism for configuration information exchange with AP2. When a wireless station is ready to quickly roam from AP1 to AP2, AP2 first sends a configuration information detection message to AP1. The configuration information detection message contains the unique identifier of the wireless station, usually the MAC address. In this way, AP2 asks AP1 for station-related configuration information so that it can immediately apply this information after roaming is completed to provide uninterrupted service.

[0084] After receiving the configuration information detection message, AP1 will parse the wireless site identifier carried in the message and then search for configuration information that matches the identifier. Once matching configuration information is found, AP1 will encapsulate it into a configuration information response message and send it to AP2.

[0085] The Configuration Information Response message is a direct response from AP1 to the AP2 Probe Message, and contains configuration information that matches the wireless station identifier in the Probe Message. After receiving the Configuration Information Response message, AP2 can use this information to immediately update its local configuration, ensuring that the station's connection on AP2 can continue seamlessly without being troubled by service interruption or re-authentication.

[0086] As an optional embodiment, the first access point sends a configuration information response message to the second access point in response to the configuration information detection message, including: the first access point adds configuration information matching the identifier of the wireless site to the key communication message in response to the configuration information detection message; the first access point sends the key communication message as a configuration information response message to the second access point, wherein the configuration information is determined in the key communication message received at the second access point.

[0087] Optionally, if the key exchange process specified in the original communication protocol is performed in a pull mode, the configuration information can be transmitted through the key communication message specified in the original protocol for key exchange, which can not only enhance the security of data transmission, but also realize the transmission of wireless site configuration information without adding additional interaction processes on the basis of the original fast roaming process interaction process, thereby reducing resource waste. Among them, the pull mode refers to the mode in which the receiver of the information acts as the active party during the information exchange process.

[0088] As an optional embodiment, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: configuration information of a dynamic virtual local area network, configuration information of a media access control MAC address authentication, and configuration information of a remote authentication dial-in user service RADIUS.

[0089] Optionally, the configuration information may be of various types, and may be configuration information required by various network services, specifically, it may be configuration information of a dynamic virtual local area network, configuration information of a media access control address authentication, or configuration information of a remote user dial-up authentication service.

[0090] Figure 6 is a structural block diagram of a wireless roaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 6 According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wireless roaming system, comprising:

[0091] A server, and multiple access points controlled by the server, the multiple access points include a first access point, a second access point and a server, wherein the first access point is used to obtain configuration information associated with the wireless site during the connection process with the wireless site, wherein the configuration information is used to support the wireless site to implement network functions; the second access point is also used to obtain a fast roaming request message sent by the wireless site when the wireless site moves from an area covered by the first access point to an area covered by the second access point, wherein the fast roaming request message is used to request the wireless site to quickly roam from the first access point to the second access point; and is also used to interact with the first access point, determine the configuration information, and respond to the fast roaming request message, based on the configuration information, send a fast roaming response message to the wireless site, and communicate with the wireless site, wherein the fast roaming response message is used to indicate that the wireless site has accessed the second access point.

[0092] The steps implemented by the above system are the same as the examples and application scenarios implemented by the above wireless roaming method, but are not limited to the contents disclosed in the above embodiments.

[0093] An embodiment of the present invention may provide an electronic device, the computer device comprising a memory and a processor. The processor may call the information and application program stored in the memory through a transmission device to perform the following steps: obtaining a fast roaming request message sent by a wireless station, wherein the fast roaming request message is used to request the wireless station to quickly roam from a first access point to a second access point; interacting with the first access point to determine configuration information associated with the wireless station; responding to the fast roaming request message, based on the configuration information, sending a fast roaming response message to the wireless station, and communicating with the wireless station, wherein the fast roaming response message is used to indicate that the wireless station has accessed the second access point.

[0094] A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above embodiments can be completed by instructing the hardware related to the terminal device through a program, and the program can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium, and the storage medium may include: a flash drive, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, etc.

[0095] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium. Optionally, in this embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium can be used to store the program code executed by the wireless roaming method provided in the embodiment.

[0096] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which implements the steps of the wireless roaming method in each embodiment of the present application when the computer program is executed by a processor.

[0097] The serial numbers of the above embodiments of the present invention are only for description and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.

[0098] In the above embodiments of the present invention, the description of each embodiment has its own emphasis. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0099] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. Among them, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of the units can be a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of units or modules, which can be electrical or other forms.

[0100] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed on multiple units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the present embodiment.

[0101] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present invention may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit. The above-mentioned integrated unit may be implemented in the form of hardware or in the form of software functional units.

[0102] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server or a network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes: U disk, read-only memory (ROM, Read-Only Memory), random access memory (RAM, Random Access Memory), mobile hard disk, magnetic disk or optical disk and other media that can store program codes.

[0103] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wireless roaming method, characterized in that: include: Acquire a fast roaming request message sent by a wireless station, wherein the fast roaming request message is used to request the wireless station to fast roam from a first access point to a second access point; interacting with the first access point to determine configuration information associated with the wireless station, wherein the configuration information is used to support the wireless station to implement a network function; In response to the fast roaming request message, a fast roaming response message is sent to the wireless station based on the configuration information.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interacting with the first access point to determine configuration information associated with the wireless station includes: receiving configuration information to be verified broadcasted by the first access point and a wireless site identifier to be verified corresponding to the configuration information to be verified; caching the configuration information to be verified and the wireless site identifier to be verified; Determining an identifier of the wireless site according to the fast roaming request message; In a case where the wireless station identifier to be verified matches the identifier of the wireless station, it is determined that the configuration information to be verified is the configuration information.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that The receiving the configuration information to be verified broadcasted by the first access point and the wireless site identifier to be verified corresponding to the configuration information to be verified includes: receiving a key communication message broadcast by the first access point, wherein the first access point sends the configuration information to be verified and the wireless station identifier to be verified to the second access point through the key communication message; The key communication message is parsed to determine the configuration information to be verified and the wireless site identifier to be verified.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The interacting with the first access point to determine configuration information associated with the wireless station includes: Determining an identifier of the wireless site according to the fast roaming request message; Sending a configuration information detection message to the first access point, wherein the configuration information detection message includes an identifier of the wireless site, and the first access point sends a configuration information response message to the second access point in response to the configuration information detection message, wherein the configuration information response message includes configuration information matching the identifier of the wireless site; The configuration information response message sent by the first access point is received to determine the configuration information.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The receiving the configuration information response message sent by the first access point and determining the configuration information includes: The second access point uses the received key communication message as the configuration information response message and determines the configuration information in the key communication message, wherein the first access point adds the configuration information matching the identifier of the wireless station to the key communication message.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The configuration information includes at least one of the following: configuration information of a dynamic virtual local area network, configuration information of a media access control MAC address authentication, and configuration information of a remote user dial-in authentication service RADIUS.

7. A wireless roaming method, characterized in that: include: Establishing a communication link between the first access point and the wireless station, and acquiring configuration information associated with the wireless station, wherein the configuration information is used to support the wireless station to implement a network function; Interact with the second access point and send the configuration information to the second access point, wherein the second access point obtains a fast roaming request message sent by the wireless site, wherein the fast roaming request message is used to request the wireless site to quickly roam from the first access point to the second access point; the second access point also responds to the fast roaming request message, based on the configuration information, sends a fast roaming response message to the wireless site, and communicates with the wireless site.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The interacting with the second access point and sending the configuration information to the second access point includes: The configuration information and the identifier of the wireless station are broadcast to the second access point, wherein the second access point caches the configuration information and the identifier of the wireless station.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The broadcasting the configuration information and the identifier of the wireless station to the second access point includes: The configuration information and the identifier of the wireless station are broadcast to the second access point through a key communication message.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The interacting with the second access point and sending the configuration information to the second access point includes: receiving a configuration information detection message sent by the second access point, wherein the configuration information detection message includes an identifier of the wireless station; In response to the configuration information detection message, a configuration information response message is sent to the second access point, wherein the configuration information response message includes configuration information matching the identifier of the wireless station.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that The sending a configuration information response message to the second access point in response to the configuration information detection message includes: In response to the configuration information detection message, adding the configuration information matching the identifier of the wireless station to the key communication message; The key communication message is sent as the configuration information response message to the second access point, wherein the configuration information is determined in the key communication message received by the second access point.

12. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that The configuration information includes at least one of the following: configuration information of a dynamic virtual local area network, configuration information of a media access control MAC address authentication, and configuration information of a remote user dial-in authentication service RADIUS.

13. A wireless roaming system, characterized in that: include: A server, and a plurality of access points controlled by the server, the plurality of access points comprising a first access point, a second access point and the server, wherein: The first access point is used to obtain configuration information associated with the wireless station during the connection process with the wireless station, wherein the configuration information is used to support the wireless station to implement a network function; The second access point is also used to obtain a fast roaming request message sent by the wireless station when the wireless station moves from the area covered by the first access point to the area covered by the second access point, wherein the fast roaming request message is used to request the wireless station to quickly roam from the first access point to the second access point; and is also used to interact with the first access point, determine the configuration information, and respond to the fast roaming request message, based on the configuration information, send a fast roaming response message to the wireless station, and communicate with the wireless station.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The computer-readable storage medium includes a stored executable program, wherein when the executable program is executed, the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located is controlled to execute the wireless roaming method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: A memory storing an executable program; A processor is used to run the program, wherein the program executes the wireless roaming method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 when running.

16. A computer program product comprising a computer program, characterized in that When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the wireless roaming method according to any one of claims 1 to 12 are implemented.

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