Some of the methods for creating a wireless connection are:

• Manually connect to a wireless network: This wizard is available by clicking Set up a new connection or network in the Network and Sharing Center and selecting this action.
• Connect to a Network: By right-clicking the network icon in the notification area of the taskbar, a list of wireless networks is displayed.



• Copy profile from USB flash drive: A wireless configuration profile can be saved to a USB flash drive.
• Command line: The Network Shell command-line utility (netsh.exe) supports a command section for wireless LAN configuration (wlan).
• Group policy: Wireless network settings can be applied to domain coputers using group policy settings defined in Active Directory.

When a new wireless connection is created, the key settings used to describe it in Windows 7 are:

• Network name: The name of the wireless connection and its profile in the operating system.
• Security type: The type of security methods the WAP expects the wireless client to use.
• Encryption type: The method used to encrypt data, if a choice exists, as a customization of the selected security type.
• Security key: A pass-phrase that acts as a password, allowing the wireless client to authenticate and connect.
• Start this connection automatically: Identifies whether the connection starts automatically once the client detects the WAP is noperating in range.
• Connect even if the network is not broadcasting: The client attempts to connect even if it does not notice the WAP broadcasting its SSID wirelessly.
• Connect to a more preferred network if available: The client attempts to connect to the best wireless connection it believes is currently available.