Access authorization differentiation in a wireless access network

摘要

An encryption key distribution method capable of performing fast roaming by differentially distributing encryption keys in advance, according to access authorization classes, in a wireless access network and a roaming method using distributed encryption keys are provided. The encryption key distribution method comprises: receiving a command to communicate with an access point not available for communication using an encryption key currently selected in the encryption key set; determining access authorization of the access point not available for communications; selecting an encryption key from the encryption key set obtained in advance corresponding to the determined access authorization; and using the selected encryption key to encrypt a transmission message and communicate with the access point not available for communication. The method reduces the delay time, which is caused by encryption key distribution while a wireless terminal is traveling, such that roaming and a hand-off are carried out quickly and safely, and user convenience and safe transmission of data are achieved.