The document details the installation process of a wireless NIC PCI card, including preparation, removal of the old card, and proper insertion of the new card. It also explains testing methods to ensure functionality, such as checking device manager recognition and signal strength. Potential problems such as ESD damage, incorrect fitting, and overheating are discussed along with preventive measures.

1. INSTALLATION OF WIRELESS
NIC
By George Smith-Moore

2. WHAT WILL BE INCLUDED?
I will show the installation process relating to a wireless NIC, PCI card.Testing the hardware and
showing potential problems.

3. INSTALLATION
 Assuming you have already prepped the area for
installation, theWi-Fi PCI card can be installed.
 If you are upgrading, I have included these steps as
well.
 To start, lift the cache up on the PC case to allow the
removal and installation of PCI/PCIe cards. (other case
models may have a different type of attachment)

4. INSTALLATION
 After the cache is lifted, the NIC can be pulled out, it may be a little tight, but you
must life the old PCI card put of the slot.

5. INSTALLATION
 Using the same method for
removal (just opposite) , push the
wireless NIC into the slot.
 You will know when the NIC is
properly inserted, as it will not
wobble much, and it will feel
secure (as well as look secure).
 Attach any cables to the NIC (if
needed), and fasten down the clip
this will prevent card movement
completely.

6. TESTING FOR FUNCTIONALITY
 Before you can test the hardware piece, you must first install the latest drivers,
this is to ensure all of the known bugs are gone.
 So after the software has been installed (UNIT 3), the testing can commence.
 One test is via the Device Manager, this is done by looking under the tab network
adapters, if theTP-LINK adapter is shown (without an exclamation mark next to
the image), then it has installed correctly.
 Another test is to see the signal bar via
the task bar.
 I have done several other tests, but I have
not shown pictures of them. A description
of the test is all on the next slide.

7. TESTING FOR FUNCTIONALITY
Test Number Test Description Expected Result Actual Result
1
Testing to see if the device
appears in the device
manager.
It would appear as the device
and the driver is successfully
installed
It appeared in the device
manager.
2
Testing to see if light at the
back of the wireless NIC is on.
The light would appear on the
wireless NIC.
It did appear on the wireless
NIC.
3
Ping the machine. I expected the machine to be
able to ping successfully
The machine pinged once
CMD was opened and the
command was entered.
4
Checking the internet
connection.
I expected a good internet
signal from the router.
The connection was not as
good as I had expected, this
could be due to distance from
the router.
5
Going into CMD and typing in
ipconfig/all.
Lists of information about the
network, for instance the ip
addresses, the subnet mask,
and the default gateway.
The correct information
appeared when the command
was entered.

8. PROBLEMS?
 Possible problems that come with installing hardware are:
 ESD, this is done by either not wearing anti-static equipment. Or by not un-plugging the
computer and power cycling it.This would lead to damage of the hardware piece or to
other parts.
It can be avoided by using anti-static equipment, taking care of the system, opening on
a clean work surface, and by unplugging and power cycling.
 Fitting an PCI card in an PCIe bay, or the other way around would not work, and would
cause damage to the component if you tried to do so.
Solution= don’t do it, check the specs beforehand.
 Overheating is a serious killer for computers, make sure your computer is well-
ventilated and has plenty of fans.