Abstract: In one aspect, a digital device comprises a wireless station, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a memory, and a processor. The processor is configured to detect a coupling of a flash device to the USB port and obtain wireless network configuration information from the flash device. The wireless network configuration information comprises a network name and a security key for a wireless communications network. The processor is further configured to store the wireless network configuration information in the memory, configure the wireless station using the wireless network configuration information, and connect the wireless station to the wireless communications network based on the wireless network configuration information.

Abstract: A method for providing configuration information for use in installing a new wireless station to a wireless network that minimizes errors is presented. The configuration information is distributed by storing the configuration information onto a device with a memory and then distributing the device to the users interested in installing new wireless stations. The device is attached to a computer to which the wireless station is coupled, initiating a transfer of the configuration information. The computer uses the configuration information to configure the wireless station. The method also provides a way to limit access to the configuration information through the use of encryption and limiting the number of times the configuration information is retrieved. The method is also an effective way to distribute security keys for encryption systems whose purpose is to secure communications in a wireless network.