About Network Connections

Network Connections provides connectivity between your computer and the Internet, a network, or another computer. With Network Connections, you can gain access to network resources and functionality, whether you are physically located at the location of the network or in a remote location. Connections are created, configured, stored, and monitored from within the Network Connections folder.
The New Connection Wizard helps you create Internet connections using your dial-up modem, ISDN, DSL or cable modem. You can also create incoming, direct, and virtual private networking (VPN) connections using the New Connection Wizard. Local area connections are created automatically when a network adapter is installed.
Each connection in the Network Connections folder contains a set of features that you can use to create a link between your computer and another computer or network. Outgoing connections contact a remote access server by using a configured access method (LAN, modem, ISDN line, DSL, cable modem, and so on) to establish a connection with the network. Conversely, an incoming connection enables a computer running Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, or a stand-alone computer running Windows 2000 Server to be contacted by other computers. This means your computer can operate as a remote access server. Whether you are connected locally (LAN), remotely (dial-up, ISDN, and so on), or both, you can configure any connection so that it can perform any needed network function. For example, you can print to network printers, access network drives and files, browse other networks, or access the Internet.
Because all services and communication methods are configured within the connection, you do not need to use external management tools to configure connection settings. For example, the settings for a dial-up connection include features to be used before, during, and after connecting. These include the modem you use to dial, the type of password encryption you want to use upon connecting, and the network protocols you use after you connect. Connection status, which includes the duration and speed of a connection, is viewed from the connection itself; you do not need to use an external status tool. For information about configuring a connection, see To configure a connection.
Logon and domain security, support for security hosts, data encryption, authentication, and callback provide secure network access for network and dial-up connections. For more information about security features, see Security features of Network Connections.