1.1 Monitor mobile device hardware and use appropriate replacement techniques
📘CompTIA A+ Core 1 (220-1201)
1. What Is a Wireless Card?
A wireless card is a hardware component that allows a mobile device to connect to wireless networks without using cables.
In mobile devices (such as laptops, tablets, and some all-in-one systems), the wireless card is responsible for:
- Connecting to Wi-Fi networks
- Connecting to Bluetooth devices
Without a wireless card, a mobile device cannot connect to wireless networks.
2. Types of Wireless Cards in Mobile Devices
2.1 Wi-Fi (WLAN) Cards
These cards allow a device to connect to wireless local area networks (WLANs).
Key functions:
- Connects laptops and tablets to wireless routers
- Supports internet access, file sharing, and network services
2.2 Bluetooth Cards
Bluetooth functionality is often:
- Built into the same card as Wi-Fi, or
- Included as a separate chip on the motherboard
Bluetooth is used for:
- Wireless keyboards and mice
- Headsets and speakers
- File transfer between nearby devices
3. Common Wireless Card Form Factors (Exam-Important)
3.1 Mini-PCIe (Older Devices)
- Found in older laptops
- Installed internally
- Uses antenna cables
3.2 M.2 Wireless Cards (Most Common)
- Used in modern laptops
- Smaller than Mini-PCIe
- Installed directly on the motherboard
Exam Tip:
👉 M.2 is the most common wireless card form factor in modern laptops
3.3 Integrated (Soldered) Wireless Cards
- Common in tablets and ultra-thin laptops
- Soldered to the motherboard
- Cannot be replaced individually
4. Wireless Standards (Must Know for the Exam)
Wireless cards follow IEEE 802.11 standards.
Common Wi-Fi Standards
| Standard | Frequency | Speed | Exam Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 802.11a | 5 GHz | Up to 54 Mbps | Older |
| 802.11b | 2.4 GHz | Up to 11 Mbps | Very old |
| 802.11g | 2.4 GHz | Up to 54 Mbps | Older |
| 802.11n (Wi-Fi 4) | 2.4 / 5 GHz | Up to 600 Mbps | Very common |
| 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) | 5 GHz | Faster than n | Very common |
| 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) | 2.4 / 5 / 6 GHz | Very fast | Newest |
Exam Tip:
👉 Newer standards provide higher speed, better performance, and improved reliability
5. Antennas and Signal Transmission
Wireless cards use antennas to send and receive signals.
Internal Antennas
- Located inside the device case
- Connected using small antenna cables
- Usually labeled Main and Aux
Important Exam Point
- Incorrect antenna placement can cause:
- Weak signal
- Frequent disconnections
- Slow speeds
6. How Wireless Cards Are Used in an IT Environment
Wireless cards allow mobile devices to:
- Connect to office Wi-Fi networks
- Access cloud services
- Join secure enterprise networks
- Use Bluetooth accessories for productivity
In IT support roles, technicians often:
- Diagnose wireless connection issues
- Replace faulty wireless cards
- Update wireless drivers
- Verify compatibility with network standards
7. Common Wireless Card Problems (Exam-Relevant)
7.1 No Wi-Fi Networks Detected
Possible causes:
- Disabled wireless card
- Missing or outdated drivers
- Faulty wireless card
- Antenna cable disconnected
7.2 Slow or Unstable Connection
Possible causes:
- Old wireless standard
- Poor antenna placement
- Interference from other wireless devices
7.3 Bluetooth Not Working
Possible causes:
- Bluetooth disabled in settings
- Driver issues
- Combined Wi-Fi/Bluetooth card failure
8. Troubleshooting Wireless Cards
Step-by-Step Approach (Exam Style)
- Check device settings
- Ensure Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled
- Check drivers
- Update or reinstall wireless drivers
- Check Device Manager
- Look for errors or missing hardware
- Test with another network
- Inspect antenna connections
- Replace the wireless card if needed
9. Wireless Card Replacement Techniques
9.1 Before Replacement
- Power off the device
- Disconnect the battery (if removable)
- Use anti-static protection
9.2 Replacement Steps
- Remove the access panel
- Locate the wireless card
- Disconnect antenna cables carefully
- Remove the retaining screw
- Insert the new wireless card
- Reconnect antenna cables correctly
- Reassemble the device
9.3 After Replacement
- Install proper drivers
- Test Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality
- Verify signal strength
10. When Wireless Cards Cannot Be Replaced
Wireless cards cannot be replaced if:
- They are soldered to the motherboard
- The device design does not allow access
Exam Tip:
👉 In such cases, an external USB wireless adapter may be used
11. Security Considerations (Exam-Important)
Wireless cards support security protocols such as:
- WPA2
- WPA3
IT technicians must:
- Ensure the wireless card supports modern security standards
- Disable unused wireless features when not required
12. Key Exam Takeaways (Quick Revision)
- Wireless cards enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- M.2 wireless cards are the most common
- Support multiple 802.11 standards
- Use internal antennas for signal transmission
- Can be replaceable or soldered
- Drivers are essential for proper operation
- Faulty wireless cards cause connectivity issues
13. Summary
Wireless cards are a critical part of mobile device hardware. They allow wireless communication, enable productivity, and support modern IT environments. For the CompTIA A+ Core 1 exam, you must understand:
- Types of wireless cards
- Wireless standards
- Replacement techniques
- Common problems and troubleshooting
- Security and compatibility considerations
Mastering these concepts will help you confidently answer exam questions related to mobile device wireless connectivity.
