Applies to Windows 7

What are the different Internet connection methods?

Here are the Internet connection options you'll see in the Connect to the Internet wizard.

  • Open the Connect to the Internet wizard by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type network, click Network and Sharing Center, click Set up a new connection or network, and then double-click Connect to the Internet.

Wireless

Choose this if you have a wireless router or network, even if you also have a broadband connection. Also choose this if you're connecting to a hotspot.

Broadband (PPPoE)

Choose this if your computer is connected directly to a broadband modem (also called a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) or cable modem), and you have a Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE) Internet account. With this type of account, you need to provide a user name and password to connect.

Note

Note

  • If you want to connect a wireless network to the Internet with a broadband modem, choose the Wireless option.

Dial-up

Choose this if you have a modem but it's not a DSL or cable modem, or if you want to use Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) to connect your computer to the Internet.

For more information, see What do I need to connect to the Internet?