Problems With PCMCIA Wireless Network Cards

Wireless cards allow a computer to connect to the Internet. PCMCIA Cards and USB wireless adapters are the most popular wireless networking options for network computers.

Incompatible Protocols

Newer routers do not always support the older versions of the 802.11 wireless network protocols. A card that can only handle the b protocol may not be capable of dealing with a airless router that uses the later 802.11g protocol.

Incorrect and Outdated Drivers

Incorrect or outdated drivers are the most common cause of wireless networking problems. Download and install the correct driver for your wireless card.

Bent Pins on the Adapter

The edge of PCMCIA wireless cards extends past the PCMCIA slot of the laptop. If too much weight or pressure is applied to this part of the card, the adapter pins could bend. Remove the wireless card when the laptop is not in use.

Device Not Recognized during Hot Swaps

PCMCIA wireless cards and USB adapters can be inserted while the computer is on, which is not the case for most devices. The operating system will not always recognize the device when it is plugged in. Turning the computer off and inserting the card usually fixes this problem.

Limited Wireless Range

Wireless cards should have a range of approximately 90 feet. Some drivers, such as the Ubuntu Realtek 8139 wireless driver, have problems detecting a signal if the source is more than ten feet away. Limited ranges are usually the result of a defective card, however.