The Network Connections (Netman) service is installed by default on computers running Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows 7. This service manages objects in the Network Connections folder, from which you can view both network and remote connections. This service is responsible for client network configuration, and it displays the connection status in the notification area of the taskbar. You can also view and configure network interface settings through this service.

This service is installed by default and its startup type is Manual. The Network Connections interface is invoked at startup. If this service stops, configuration of LAN, dial-up, and VPN connections are unavailable to client computers. If you disable this service, the following issues might result:

• Network connection status indicator in the notification area will not display correctly.
• Connections do not display in the Network Connections folder, which prevents dial-out access and configuration of LAN settings.
• Other services that use Network Connections to check for Network Location-specific Group Policy settings do not function properly.
• Events that pertain to media connection and disconnection are not received.
• Internet connection sharing does not function correctly.
• The ability to configure incoming connections, wireless settings, or your home network is unavailable.
• New connections are not created.
• Any services that explicitly depend on this service do not start.

The Network Connections service is dependent upon the following system components:

• Network Store Interface Service
• NSI proxy service driver
• Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
• DCOM Server Process Launcher
• RPC Endpoint Mapper

The following system component is dependent upon the Network Connections service:

• Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)