How to install a PCI Wireless Network Card?
Category: Networking Tags: Network Adapter
A PCI wireless adapter card connects to a desktop computer’s PCI bus contained inside the computer:
- Turn off the computer and unplugged it.
- Open the computer’s case and locate an available slot on the motherboard and gently push the card into the slot until it snaps and holds a place. If the antenna is attached to the PCI adapter you may unscrew it before plugging in the computer.
- Once the network card has been physically installed into the computer, place the case back. Attach the external antenna to the adapter’s antenna port and make sure that the antenna is positioned straight up into the air at a 90º angle from the adapter. This will ensure optimum wireless operating range and performance.
- Turn the computer on and install the drivers for the Network card. If using Windows as Operative System, it will recognize the newly added hardware and pop up a “Found New Hardware” dialog to complete. Insert the driver CD that came with the network and click through the rest of the new hardware setup wizard to complete the installation. Alternatively, the necessary software can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s Web site.
- Restart the computer. Once the computer has rebooted, the network adaptor is ready to use.
- To select a wireless network you will need a Wireless network name (SSID) and a Wireless security key or password. Right-click the icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen and select View Available Wireless Networks