The document provides instructions for installing a wireless network interface card (NIC) and testing it. It outlines 4 steps for the installation: 1) preparing the computer case with an antistatic wristband, 2) removing any packaging from the NIC, 3) removing any frames or supports on the motherboard, and 4) screwing the wireless antenna onto the NIC. It then shows a table with 5 tests to check that the NIC is functioning properly, including checking device manager, lights on the NIC, ping response time, wireless connection strength, and ipconfig settings.

1. Installation and
Testing of Hardware
Ajay Jassi

2. Before starting
• Place the computer tower on top of an
antistatic mat, and connect the wristband clip
on the inside of the tower ready for use.
• Put the antistatic wristband on, so no electric
charge is gained or lost. This is done to
conduct the electricity.

3. Step
• Take out the wireless NIC from any packaging
ready to install.
• Be careful to ensure that no connecters get
destroyed.
1

4. Step
• If your motherboard has any frames to protect
the component, unclip the latch/ supporter
lever.
• Do this carefully, so that the part doesn’t
snap off.
2

5. Step
• Allocate and apply a little pressure to the
component to get it in place with the
motherboard.
• Do not force the component as it can damage
the connecters and the component.
3

6. Step
• Now push back the
lever of the supporter.
• And screw in the
wireless antenna on to
the NIC.
• Ensure that the
antenna is tighten well
as this can affect the
signal strength and
prevent faults.
4

7. Testing Table for Wireless NIC
Test Number
Test Description
Expected Results
Actual Results
1
See if device appears
in device manager.
It will appear as a
device and driver will
be installed correctly.
The device was
recognised and
appeared in device
manager.
2
Check if the lights on
wireless NIC are
working correctly.
Light on back was
flashing, which means
it is connected to
internet.
The green light was
flashing, so it’s
successful.
3
Ping the machine.
I thought the machine
will ping around 150
ms.
The machine pinged
at 168 ms which is
better than expected.
4
Test to see if
connection is working,
Connection will be
strong.
Signal strength went
low as the router was
quite a far distance
away,
5
Go to CMD and check
if the ipconfig/all
settings all are active
and running.
list of internet
information about the
ip address, subnet
mask, and the default
gateway.
A list of internet
information
containing correct
information, which
was a success.

8. Wireless NIC detected in Device
Manager

9. Test if connects to network

10. Potential problems and solutions
• Some problems that may occur when installing
hardware are that the connect may be
damaged, or maybe too be electric passing
through.
• To prevent this you can use antistatic
equipment such as a mat and a wristband
when handling and installing components.
• It’s important to be fully aware and be
concentration when installing hardware so no
accidents are caused.