Network Controller Drivers

Network controllers are technological components that allow computers to communicate with each other over a computer network. This type of device is layered with two strata of programming. The first layer, OSI layer 1, is called the physical layer. This is where it is physically connected for data transfer and communication. The second layer is called the data link layer. This level allows low-end addressing for information using what is called MAC addresses. A MAC address is a media access control address.

Network controllers come in several forms but the most common overall is the Ethernet standard. They have become so popular and often used that most computers in the current age have them built in instead of existing as a form of add-on peripheral called expansion cards.

Two basic divisions of network controller exist. There are hardwired network controllers and there are wireless network controllers. The hard wired ones use cable hook-ups and physical connections. The wireless ones use over-the-air signals between networking towers and the like similar to cell phone technology, which is how so many cell phones can have internet connectivity currently.

Due to the complex nature of the design for the types of devices they require a great amount of programming code. However, for them to work across multiple platforms the code must be universal. To prevent the necessity of creating a dozen or more versions of the same card every time they manufacture a new one companies came up with the idea of driver software.

Drivers are used on almost all components that hook into a computer. The only time this is not necessary is when a particular device is specifically created for an exact operating system and uses the same programming commands. This isn’t a very common occurrence in the modern computer market.

Network controller drivers act as a translational program for each operating system it is designed for. In this way one piece of hardware can be used by multiple Operating systems, even when they are all installed on the same computer.

The complex nature of how the drivers, computer, and network controller all interact there can be conflict. The most common conflicts that are dealt with are:

* Inability to connect to the network.

* Slow networking speed with intermittent loss of connection.

* The computer cannot find the network controller

* The network controller reads as operational but does not seem to be working in some capacity.

* The network seems to be busy, yet, it is not actually in use. This is usually due to a driver conflict where the drivers are corrupt or missing. The network can’t shut down properly once started, for instance, and this leads to hanging screens and repeated error windows, boxes, etc.

Trouble shooting a network controller adapter involves two aspects. The first aspect involves making certain that the controller is installed properly and is in good working order. Any hardware issues must be communicated to the manufacturer.

With drivers the most common issues can be fixed by simple disc re-installs or upgrades gathered from the manufacturer’s website. Other types of fixes may require removal of the device and re-installing it to try and auto-install the drivers, or a new installation disc because the old one is faulty.

Beyond this it could be a simple installation error on the part of the one installing the device. Refer to the manual when at all possible for a repair to this situation.