The Network icon on the Windows 7 taskbar does recognize the router as one of the Available Wireless Connections, though the LED remains blinking.  Clicking on the SSID for the router does give me the option to both Connect and Connect automatically.  My only concern in doing so is that it might conflict with operation of my Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 NIC which operates fine.  (I want to use the router in Client mode for another OS that doesn't have the driver for the Intel NIC.)

Should I go ahead and Connect with it, access the internal browser and configure it with the respective network information - and then see if I can use it w/ the other OS?  (I suppose if I don't afterwards power it up under Windows 7, a one-time connection w/ it won't cause 7 to "forget" the Intel NIC.)

This LAN/WAN port fills in as LAN in AP/Repeater/Client/WISP client router mode and as WAN in Wireless Router mode. As LAN, it associates the route to the nearby PC; as WAN, it empowers you to interface the DSL/link Modem, or Ethernet Apple service center Perth.

The tplink wireless network and your Intel NIC are two different things. The Intel NIC enables you to detect wireless network and connect. As for which network you connect, it doesn't matter. 

You can go ahead connect to the tplink SSID then login to configure it. 

OK, I understand then having both operational simultaneously won't adversely affect me later using the Intel NIC; the latter is the oly one I need or want for access by Windows 7.

Will then proceed to connect to the subject and configure it.

This thread then can be treated as CLOSED.