By default, Centrino based Sony TRs (which include the TR1A, TR1AP, TR1MP, TR2A, and TR2AP1) come with regular Intel drivers and Microsoft’s Zero Configuration enabled. This works pretty well but only offers you the most basic of options and controls over the hardware. For those who want more security options and control, they should look into getting the latest ProSet software and drivers.

The latest version of the driver is 1.2.0.58 which fixes a few issues with the previous drivers and adds WPA support. You can find more information here . One nice thing about the new software is that it fixes the dropping Wireless connection for some people. You should still check for newer firmware updates for your Wireless Routers/Access Points as the problem can be on that end.

So, what does the ProSet software allow you to do?

First of all, it adds a task tray icon that shows you wireless signal strength. It’s the little animated bar…but you knew that.

This is helpful for those who frequent different WiFi “hotspots” and want to find the area with the strongest signal. Sure you can use the built-in Windows software to check the signal but it’s not readily accessible. The icon also lets you access the ProSet control panel if you need to make changes to your settings.

The panel offers you an overview of your basic settings and is the starting point to other tabs. The most notable of the tabs and configuration screens are the following:

The security settings are much more advanced with a variety of Network authentication and data encryption modes with WPA options as well.

The power settings are really neat because they allow you to control the power of the antenna so that you can extend battery life. If you’re close to an access point, you can lower the settings to increase your battery life. Although the automatic setting works pretty well, it’s nice to have control if you need it.

Lastly, the advanced settings gives you fine control over the wireless settings and how it connects with other networks. I like the fact that you can setup profiles and force the software to only connect with those profiles. 

One thing to note is that the ProSet software does install a few things in your startup groups. It installs, NetSvc, 1XConfig, RoamMgr, ZCfgSvc, and S24EvMon processes. So, you don’t really need this software since the built-in Windows software works. However, if you want/need finer control over the wireless solution then you should take a look at the software. You can continue to use the newer driver but you can always uninstall the ProSet software as it’s not a requirement.

Lastly, Sony doesn’t offer this software and neither does Intel. You’ll have to download drivers from an alternative source. I found them at ASUS’ website. It’s all good since it’s everyone is using the Centrino wireless (PRO 2100) solution. The current version can be found here . You’ll first want to “update” to the new driver from within the Pro Wireless 2100 device properties. Then install the ProSet application and you’ll be all set.

Thanks gr00vy0ne!

I updated the wlan driver but the version is different than the one you mentioned…I have version 1.2.1.1

What do you see when you check your driver version?

Wow, it looks like they updated the driver already! I re-downloaded the package and yes, their 1.2.0.58 driver is now 1.2.1. It’s all good though. I tried out this driver and it works fine. I now finally have WPA setup properly now too so I’m pretty happy.

what are these drivers.  do i need them with my tr2ap3?  or should i just leave well enough alone with what i have?

THANKS,
wabbitt

O King of Wabbitts,

You need not worry about these drivers since your TR2AP3 uses a different chipset than the Centrino branded (Intel ProWireless 2100 chipset). They’re just good since it gives you a few more options and enables better WPA access (with the appropriate patch from Microsoft).

Just to make sure we are talking about the same thing, on my update site I can download the wireless lan 2100 3b mini pc adapter driver ver 1.2.1.7 and that will do the same as the above?

[quote author=“gr00vy0ne”]O King of Wabbitts,

You need not worry about these drivers since your TR2AP3 uses a different chipset than the Centrino branded (Intel ProWireless 2100 chipset). They’re just good since it gives you a few more options and enables better WPA access (with the appropriate patch from Microsoft).

thanks gr00vy.  just to make sure i understand…...  i can or cant update these drivers?  if i wanted to do they have an update for the tr2ap3?

THANKS!!!!

No, you can’t use these. They are specifically for the Intel ProWireless chipset. The TR2AP3 doesn’t have the Intel ProWireless chipset. The TR2AP3 uses the LAN-Express AS IEEE 802.11g miniPCI Adapter and at this time there is no new driver for it. Also, it’s own control panel software will differ from what I’ve shown on the Intel side.

Which patch do we need for WPA?

You’ll need to go to http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=815485 and read the instructions and download the patch 815485. This patch is not automatically downloaded via Windows Update so you have to manually search for it and install it. It should be included in the next Service Pack release (SP2).

I’m using my TR1AP with a Microsoft 802.11g Wireless Router/Access Point (in runs in either mode) and have enabled WPA on it. On my TR1AP, I have it set as WPA-PSK, TKIP for the maximum security. You should be able to enable this from the default Windows Zero Configuration software or you can use the Intel ProSet software above to set everything up if you require other options.

Thanks for the link.

Just a word of caution…Netgear does not recommend installing the WPA update unless your router is WPA capable as it may cause you to loose your wireless connection.

I’m not sure about other brands, best check with your router manufacturers website.

[quote author=“jetguy”]Thanks for the link.

Just a word of caution…Netgear does not recommend installing the WPA update unless your router is WPA capable as it may cause you to loose your wireless connection.

I’m not sure about other brands, best check with your router manufacturers website.

Thanks jetguy! I forgot to mention that.

However, in some cases it might be ok to have the patch installed anyways. I switch between various access points (Dlink, Microsoft, and whatever they use at Starbucks) that have WEP or WPA security and installation of the WPA patch hasn’t caused me to lose any connection. However, when a WPA-enabled AP is present, making a WPA-PSK connection is an option in the dropdown menu.

There’s a new official version of the driver located at the Sony Support Site. It’s version 1.2.1.7 and supposedly fixes the dropped connection issue.

These drivers are for systems that use the Intel ProWireless 2100 3B chipset. So, essentially systems that have the Centrino sticker on it.

Here’s the direct link: ftp://ftp.ita.sel.sony.com/ccpg/pc/IN-912170802KT03US.EXE

Installed, works great!

There’s a new Microsoft patch for WPA issues. It seems to solve quite a few problems so you might want to download it and install it on your Windows XP installation.

The patch and more information can be found at http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=826942 or via the Windows Update utility.

THe upgrade went great.  I love the signal icon.  THanks again.