The present invention relates to a communication apparatus and method that allow setting for forming a wireless link to be automatically executed without requiring a special setting operation. A personal computer 1 forms a wireless link with an access-point device 3 using a wireless communication unit, and exchanges data with, for example, a server (not shown) connected to a network 4, via the access-point device 3. The personal computer 1 requires an SSID and a WEP KEY defined in IEEE 802.11b to be set before forming a wireless link with the access-point device 3. The setting is executed only by placing an IC card 2 within a predetermined distance of (or momentarily in contact with) an IC-card contactless communication unit 19 of the personal computer 1. The present invention can be applied to a wireless LAN system including personal computers, PDAs, access-points, etc.