220-1101 Question 6
Single answerWireless cardsA technician replaces a failed wireless card in a user's laptop. After the replacement, the laptop detects nearby Wi-Fi networks, but it cannot maintain a stable connection unless it is very close to the access point. Ethernet works normally, and other nearby wireless devices have strong signal strength. Which action is the MOST likely to resolve the issue?
- A
Reinstall the TCP/IP protocol stack in the operating system
- B
Reconnect the wireless antenna leads to the correct terminals on the replacement card
- C
Change the access point from WPA2 to WEP for compatibility
- D
Disable Bluetooth in Device Manager to free the wireless radio
- E
Assign a static IP address to the wireless adapter
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The key clue is that the problem started immediately after replacing the internal wireless card and that the laptop only works reliably when it is very close to the access point. That symptom strongly indicates an antenna connection problem rather than a software, security, or IP configuration issue. Internal laptop Wi-Fi adapters typically depend on properly attached internal antenna leads routed through the display assembly. If those leads are not connected securely, the card may still function at a minimal level but with severely reduced range and unstable performance. This aligns with standard laptop hardware troubleshooting best practices: verify physical connections first after a field-replaceable component is installed. Vendor service manuals for laptops commonly note proper reconnection of WLAN antenna cables during wireless card replacement, and wireless troubleshooting guidance from manufacturers frequently identifies loose antenna leads as a common cause of weak signal after service.
- A. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A damaged or misconfigured TCP/IP stack would more likely affect IP communication after association, not cause very weak signal range that improves only when the laptop is close to the access point. The laptop can already see networks, which points more toward an RF or antenna-related problem than a protocol stack issue.
- B. Correct.
Correct. Laptop wireless cards commonly use one or two tiny antenna leads that must be firmly connected to the card's main/aux terminals. If these leads are loose, disconnected, or swapped in a way that affects performance, the system may still detect networks but have very poor range and unstable connectivity. This is a common post-repair issue when replacing internal Wi-Fi cards.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Lowering security from WPA2 to WEP is not an appropriate fix for weak signal or poor range, and WEP is obsolete and insecure. Security mismatch issues typically prevent successful authentication rather than causing the connection to work only when very close to the access point.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi can coexist on combo cards, and disabling Bluetooth is not the primary fix for dramatically reduced Wi-Fi range after a card replacement. While 2.4 GHz interference can occur in some cases, the timing of the problem immediately after hardware replacement strongly suggests an installation issue instead.
- E. Incorrect.
Incorrect. IP addressing affects network communication after a wireless link is established. It does not correct poor reception, low signal strength, or a connection that is only usable at very short distances from the access point.