Internet connection question

I feel stupid asking this question but I was just curious.

I have a DSL Broadband modem hooked up to my computer with an Ethernet cable. I was always assuming that that was how I was connecting online. But when I checked my Control Panel and looked under "connectivity" it says that my Broadband connections are both disconnected even though one has a green check mark next to it.

it then says I'm connected to the Internet through "Access to Local and Internet" Wan miniport (ATW).

I'm just curious as to why that is? Shouldn't I be connected through my broadband modem