Creative Blaster 2030 User Manual
User Manual
Creative Network Blaster
Wireless LAN USB Adapter 2030
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Creative Technology Ltd. No part of this manual may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the written permission of
Creative Technology Ltd. The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the
license agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any other medium except as specifically allowed in the license agreement. The licensee may make one copy of
the software for backup purposes.
Copyright © 2002 by Creative Technology Ltd. All rights reserved.
Version 1.1
May 2002
Network Blaster is a registered trademark of Creative Technology Ltd.
Broadxent Pte Ltd is a subsidiary of Creative Technology Ltd.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Microsoft, MS-DOS, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
All other products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
-iii
Contents
Safety Precautions
General Safety.........................................................................................vii
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement ...........................................................viii
Introduction
Before You Begin ..................................................................................... xi
Package Contents ........................................................................... xi
Recording Model and Serial Numbers ................................................ xi
Minimum System Requirements ....................................................... xi
Document Conventions.............................................................................xii
1 About Wireless LAN
Wireless LAN ......................................................................................... 1-1
Installation................................................................................... 1-1
Cost ............................................................................................ 1-1
Speed.......................................................................................... 1-1
Mobility ....................................................................................... 1-1
Scalability .................................................................................... 1-1
Ad-hoc mode ........................................................................ 1-2
Infrastructure mode............................................................... 1-2
Flexibility ..................................................................................... 1-2
2 Installing Hardware
About Rear View of Wireless LAN USB Adapter ..........................................2-1
-iv
3 Installing and Uninstalling Drivers and
Configuration Utility
Installing Drivers and Configuration Utility ................................................3-2
In Windows 98SE.......................................................................... 3-2
In Windows 2000.......................................................................... 3-8
In Windows Me........................................................................... 3-14
In Windows XP ........................................................................... 3-19
Uninstalling Drivers and Configuration Utility ........................................... 3-25
4 Configuring the Wireless LAN USB Adapter
Configuration Utility Icon ............................................................... 4-1
Configuring Settings....................................................................... 4-2
Configuration Settings .................................................................... 4-3
Site Survey Settings...................................................................... 4-4
Encryption Settings........................................................................ 4-5
Advanced Settings ........................................................................ 4-6
Utility Information......................................................................... 4-7
Configuring Settings In Windows XP.........................................................4-8
Using the Wireless Network Connection ........................................... 4-8
Encryption settings ................................................................4-9
Network Status ................................................................... 4-11
Using the Configuration Utility ...................................................... 4-12
Notes on Wireless LAN Configuration ...................................................... 4-13
5 Configuring Your Computer’s Network Settings
Network Configuration in Windows 98 SE/Me ............................................5-2
Network Configuration in Windows 2000...................................................5-5
Network Configuration in Windows XP ......................................................5-6
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Appendixes
ASpecifications
Wireless Interface.................................................................. A-1
USB Interface .......................................................................A-1
Antenna ...............................................................................A-1
Frequency Range...................................................................A-1
Modulation............................................................................ A-1
Channels ..............................................................................A-1
Data Rate ............................................................................. A-1
Output Power........................................................................A-1
Coverage Area (outdoor)........................................................A-1
Power Supply........................................................................A-1
Indicator LEDs.......................................................................A-2
Safety and Regulatory............................................................A-2
Physical Dimensions...............................................................A-2
Weight .................................................................................A-2
B Troubleshooting
Problems with Wireless LAN USB Adapter .................................................B-1
In Windows 98SE/Me/2000............................................................ B-1
In Windows XP ..............................................................................B-2
Problems with Software ..........................................................................B-2
If the Network Blaster 2030-01 Setup dialog box does not appear ............... B-4
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C Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
DGlossary
E Service and Warranty Information
The Americas ........................................................................................ E-1
Product Return .............................................................................. E-1
Tech Support.................................................................................E-2
Warranty Information..................................................................... E-3
Asia...................................................................................................... E-4
Helpline Information....................................................................... E-6
For South Africa ....................................................................E-6
For Malaysia.......................................................................... E-6
For Hong Kong & Macau ......................................................... E-7
For the rest of the Asia Pacific region ....................................... E-7
Safety Precautions
vii
Safety Precautions
General Safety
To avoid the risk of fire, electric shock or personal injury, read the following before
operating the product:
❑ Do not expose Wireless LAN USB Adapter to direct sunlight or excessive heat.
❑ Keep Wireless LAN USB Adapter in a place where there is minimum risk of liquid
spillage on it.
❑ Do not place Wireless LAN USB Adapter in surroundings where the temperature
is over 40°C (104°F).
❑ Avoid humid conditions. Do not place the product near a water source or outlet
such as a bath tub, sink, wash bowl, laundry tub, swimming pool, or a wet or
humid wall.
❑ Never clean the Wireless LAN USB Adapter with a damp cloth or liquid cleaner.
❑ Do not press or bend the electrical power cord; do not place any weight on it.
❑ In the event of a gas leak, do not use an electrical switch or any telephone
equipment connected to a power outlet found in the vicinity of the leak.
❑ Do not use any electric product, electric cord, or power socket that is even
partially damaged.
❑ Do not tamper with the internal assembly or circuit board of the Wireless LAN USB
Adapter — none of its parts are user replaceable.
❑ Allow only qualified personnel to service or repair the Wireless LAN USB Adapter,
if such is necessary.
viii
FCC Radiation
Exposure
Statement
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an
uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a
minimum distance of 20 cm (8 inches) between the in-built antennas and your body.
Introduction
Introduction x
Introduction
Welcome to Creative Wireless World! Connect the Creative Network Blaster Wireless
LAN USB Adapter 2030 to your computer, and your computer becomes a wireless
networking station. Using radio frequency (RF) signals, your computer will be able
to share network resources and access other stations within a wired or wireless Local
Area Network using Ad-hoc (peer-to-peer) and Infrastructure network modes.
Communication with a wired network is through an access point.
Introduction xi
Before You Begin
This section contains information you should know about before using this manual.
Read the information carefully before proceeding further.
Package Contents
❑ Wireless LAN USB Adapter 2030
❑ USB cable
❑ Quick Installation Guide
❑ CD-ROM containing drivers, utility, and User Manual.
Recording Model
and Serial Numbers
You r Wireless LAN USB Adapter has a model number and a serial number located on
the bottom side. After removing the Wireless LAN USB Adapter from its packaging,
write down its model and serial numbers for future reference. You will need to quote
these numbers when contacting our Technical Support office.
Minimum System
Requirements
The following are the minimum system requirements:
❑ Intel Pentium
®
II 233 MHz processor or equivalent
❑ 20 MB of free hard disk space
❑ 32 MB RAM (64 MB recommended)
❑ Microsoft Windows
®
98 Second Edition (SE), Windows 2000,
Windows Millennium (Me) or Windows XP
❑ One available USB port enabled (version 1.0 compliant)
❑ CD-ROM drive
Introduction xii
Document
Conventions
This manual uses the following conventions to help you locate and identify the
information that you need.
Table i: Document conventions
Text Element Use
This notepad icon indicates information that is of
particular importance and should be considered
before continuing.
This alarm clock icon indicates that failure to
adhere to directions may result in loss of data or
damage to your system.
The warning sign indicates that failure to adhere to
directions may result in bodily harm or life
threatening situations.
1
About Wireless LAN
About Wireless LAN 1-1
About Wireless LAN
Wireless LAN
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), compared to a traditional wired LAN, is easy
to setup and manage, so it saves you time and money.
A WLAN combines data connectivity with user mobility. You can move around in a
room or move from one floor to another without being disconnected from the LAN.
In most companies, a wireless LAN is an extension of a wired network. However, in
small offices or hard-to-wire areas, it may be the only LAN solution.
Installation
Installing a WLAN is easy, convenient, and fast.
Cost
A WLAN is cost effective, as you do not have to install cables into your walls and
floors. Multiple Internet users can share a single IP address.
Speed
A WLAN provides data speeds of up to 11 Mbps, which increases the access rate to
shared resources.
Mobility
Unlike wired networks, a WLAN allows you to move around on a floor or building, or
even across buildings, and still remain connected to the network.
Scalability
You can choose to configure your WLAN to Ad-hoc mode or Infrastructure mode. In
Ad-hoc mode, a wireless computer (client) communicates with other wireless
stations directly. In Infrastructure mode, wireless clients connect to an access point
via radio waves, and the access point connects to other wireless and wired clients.
It is easy to configure a WLAN when you need to switch from one topology to
another.
About Wireless LAN 1-2
Ad-hoc mode
In an Ad-hoc network, also known as a Peerto-Peer network, each workstation in the
network is both a server and a wireless client.
Users on the network can share files,
printers, drives and other peripherals, and
access the Internet using a shared modem,
as shown in Figure 1-1. However, users can
only communicate with other WLAN
computers that are in the WLAN workgroup
and that are within a fixed range.
Infrastructure mode
In an Infrastructure network,
wireless clients connect to an
access point that is connected to
a wired LAN, as shown in Figure
1-2. The access point allows a
user on a wireless LAN to access
an existing wired network, to
connect to the Internet, E-mail,
transfer files, and to share a
printer. Moreover, the access
point manages the bandwidth to
maximize bandwidth utilization.
Flexibility
Adding new users and rearranging office space is convenient as it does not require
any additional wiring.
Intern et
Printer
Figure 1-1: Ad-hoc network.
Wireless Clients
Ethernet LAN
Intern et
Wireless Clients
Ethernet LAN
Intern et
Figure 1-2: Infrastructure network.
Access Point
2
Installing Hardware
Installing Hardware 2-1
Installing Hardware
Creative Network Blaster Wireless LAN USB Adapter 2030 is equipped with a USB
port that allows you to connect it to a computer. This chapter guides you through
the process of setting up your Wireless LAN USB Adapter to the USB port of a
desktop computer.
About Rear View
of Wireless LAN
USB Adapter
The USB port is located at the rear of the adapter (see Figure 2-1).
Figure 2-1: Rear view of the Network Blaster Wireless LAN
USB Adapter
USB PORT
Installing Hardware 2-2
The Wireless LAN USB Adapter is
shown in Figure 2-2. It has a builtin antenna for the transmission and
reception of the radio frequency
(RF) waves.
Your Wireless LAN USB Adapter
comes with a USB cable that has
different types of USB connectors at
both ends (see Figure 2-3). The
type A connector of the USB cable is
the most common connector that
fits into a USB port of a desktop
computer. The type B connector of
the USB cable connects to the USB
port of your Wireless LAN USB
Adapter.
Figure 2-2: Network Blaster Wireless
LAN USB Adapter
Link LED Indicates link
status. The LED turns on
when the adapter is active.
Power LED Indicates power
status. The LED turns on when
Wireless LAN USB Adapter,
which gets its power from your
computer, is turned on.
USB port
Figure 2-3: The USB cable connectors
Type A
Type B
3
Installing and Uninstalling
Drivers and Configuration Utility
Installing and Uninstalling Drivers and Configuration Utility 3-1
Installing and Uninstalling Drivers and
Configuration Utility
Before you begin to install the drivers for your Creative Network Blaster Wireless
LAN USB Adapter 2030, be sure that your computer has USB ports and they are
enabled, as there are some motherboards with disabled USB ports. In addition,
some motherboards have USB interface with the USB ports extension but no ports,
which means that you should purchase your own USB port and plug it to your
computer’s motherboard’s USB interface. For more information on how to enable or
install the USB port extension with USB interface only, consult your motherboard
user guide or vendor.
Install the drivers only after
you have installed the
hardware.
Installing and Uninstalling Drivers and Configuration Utility 3-2
Installing Drivers
and
Configuration
Utility
In Windows 98SE
1. Turn on your computer.
2. With the USB cable provided, connect
Wireless LAN USB Adapter to your
computer. Windows automatically
detects the USB device. The Add New
Hardware Wizard dialog box similar
to Figure 3-1 appears.
3. Click the Next button.
Figure 3-1: Add New Hardware
Wizard dialog box
Installing and Uninstalling Drivers and Configuration Utility 3-3
4. In the dialog box similar to Figure 3-2,
click the Search for the best driver
for your device (Recommended)
option, and click the Next button.
5. In the dialog box similar to Figure 3-3,
click the CD-ROM drive check box to
select it. Insert the installation CD into
the CD-ROM drive, and click the Next
button.
Figure 3-2: Add New Hardware
Wizard dialog box
Figure 3-3: Add New Hardware
Wizard dialog box
Installing and Uninstalling Drivers and Configuration Utility 3-4
6. In the dialog box similar to Figure 3-4,
click the Next button.
7. If the message box similar to
Figure 3-5 appears, insert the Windows
98SE CD into the CD-ROM drive, then
click the OK button. The Copying Files
dialog box appears (see
Figure 3-5).
8. In the Copy files from box, type
E:\Win98 (where E: represents your
CD-ROM drive), and then click the OK
button.
Figure 3-4: Add New Hardware
Wizard dialog box
Figure 3-5: Insert Disk message box and
Copying Files dialog box
Installing and Uninstalling Drivers and Configuration Utility 3-5
9. In the next dialog box similar to Figure
3-6, click the Finish button.
10.When prompted, restart your
computer.
Make sure the installation CD is in the
CD-ROM drive.
11.After restarting your computer, the
Network Blaster 2030-01 Setup
dialog box similar to Figure 3-7
appears.
12.Click the Next button.
Figure 3-6: Add New Hardware
Wizard dialog box
Figure 3-7: Network Blaster 2030-01
Setup dialog box
If the installation CD is not
inserted into the CD-ROM
drive, the Wireless Utility
Setup message appears
after the system restarts.
Insert the installation CD and
click the Retry button.
Installing and Uninstalling Drivers and Configuration Utility 3-6
13.When the dialog box similar to Figure
3-8 appears, click the Next button.
14.When the dialog box similar to Figure
3-9 appears, click the Next button.
Figure 3-8: Network Blaster 2030-01
Setup dialog box
Figure 3-9: Network Blaster 2030-01
Setup dialog box
Installing and Uninstalling Drivers and Configuration Utility 3-7
15.When the dialog box similar to Figure
3-10 appears, click the Next button.
16.When the dialog box similar to Figure
3-11 appears, click the Finish button.
Figure 3-10:Network Blaster 2030-01
Setup dialog box
Figure 3-11:Network Blaster 2030-
01 Setup dialog box
Installing and Uninstalling Drivers and Configuration Utility 3-8
Congratulations! You have successfully
installed the Wireless LAN USB Adapter’s
drivers and Configuration Utility. The
Configuration Utility icon (see Figure 3-12)
appears on the taskbar near the clock.
To close the Configuration Utility, right-click
its icon, and select Exit.
In Windows 2000
1. Turn on your computer.
2. With the USB cable provided, connect
Wireless LAN USB Adapter to your
computer. Windows automatically
detects the USB device. The Found
New Hardware Wizard dialog box
similar to Figure 3-13 appears.
3. Click the Next button.
Figure 3-12:Configuration Utility
icon
After you have installed the
Wireless LAN USB Adapter’s
drivers, you must configure
the Wireless LAN USB
Adapter’s settings. See
“Configuring the Wireless LAN
USB Adapter” on page 4-1.
Figure 3-13:Found New Hardware
Wizard dialog box
Installing and Uninstalling Drivers and Configuration Utility 3-9
4. In the dialog box similar to Figure 3-14
appears, click the Search for a
suitable driver for your device
(recommended) option, and click the
Next button.
5. In the dialog box similar to Figure 3-15,
click the CD-ROM drives check box to
select it. Insert the installation CD into
the CD-ROM drive, and click the Next
button.
Figure 3-14:Found New Hardware
Wizard dialog box
Figure 3-15:Found New Hardware
Wizard dialog box
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