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tfosseli
Inspiring
October 11, 2023
Solved

Resolved - Unstable wifi coverage with Quest 3 on some Router Brands.

  • Update January 2024 - full post history below
Hi. Let me try to give a quick TLDR summery.
 
Since the launch of the Quest 3, numerous users have encountered difficulties with their Wi-Fi connections related to wireless PCVR. A notable bug affects certain mid-range AX and AXE routers, such as TP-Link's AXE75, leading to significant packet losses and varying negotiation rates. Consequently, connection speeds fluctuate between 480 and 1921 Mbps, occasionally reaching 2161 Mbps but rarely achieving the full 2401 Mbps speed.
 
In contrast, the Quest 2 maintains a stable 1200 Mbps on 5GHz dedicated networks. However, on release, the Quest 3 struggled to reach 720 Mbps, with speed fluctuations occurring every other second.
 
Meta was promptly notified of this issue on launch day and has been working on resolving it through build updates. Versions v.57 to v.60 have seen a dramatic reduction in negotiation rates, making wireless VR "usable" under certain conditions, particularly when in close proximity to the router and within the line of sight. Nevertheless, users still report random speed reductions to unusable levels (below 740 Mbps), even at close range.
 
TP-Link has been diligently working on resolving the issue since the initial launch. Unfortunately, their latest update indicates that they couldn't make a breakthrough on their end, and they believe the problem persists on the client side. They've conducted thorough tests with various chipsets, including MTK, BCM, and QCA routers, and it seems these routers are experiencing similar issues. Their focus shifted to Meta software updates, and their most recent test with the Quest3 V60 suggests that while the negotiation rate still varies, the occasional streaming lag seems to have disappeared.
 
A glance at this threads posts reveals that TP-Link is not the only affected brand; users with Asus and other AX and AXE routers also face similar challenges. The root cause seems to be linked to either Meta or Qualcomm. Users have noted similar issues with the Google Pixel 7, leading to speculation about problems with the XR2 Gen2/Snapdragon 8 Gen2 drivers. So in other words it's in Meta and Qualcomm's hands at the moment.
 
Please reply to this thread and post your information as per Metas instructions:
 
"December 14th Update from MetaStoreHelp 
Hey everyone! I wanted to let you all know that I heard back from our engineering team. It looks like there might've been some changes with the recent v60 update. I recommend checking your headset to make sure that it is updated to the latest version, and then checking your Wi-Fi connection with your headset. If you're still having trouble after updating your headset, please let me know the below information and I'll pass it along to our engineering team so this can be looked into further.
 1. Router make and model.
 2. Router firmware.
 3. Full Headset version. (59.0.0.##) Go to Settings > System > Software Update"
 
You can also make a video grab of your issue and send it to Meta over the "report a problem" option in the headset.
 
 
NOTE: If you have a working setup with a different router and not experiencing any issues please post the details on this separate thread: https://communityforums.atmeta.com/t5/Get-Help/What-Wifi-6e-routers-currently-works-bug-free-with-the-Quest-3/td-p/1101778
 
 
 
 
Original post October 10th 2023
 

On my Quest 3 the WIFI signal is hopping from 720 - 864 - 960 

But my Quest 2 ti stable at 1200 Mbps

I am sitting 1 m from the Ruter

Is my Quest 3 broken or is this a bug?

 

Edit FYI: This is a firmware bug with communication between some brand of routers. Please post your info here as a reply. (Se MetaQuestSupports reply)

The team has been made aware and is currently looking into the unstable connection reports.

Meta needs to know:

  1. What version is your headset running? (Full number, i.e. 57.0.0.####)
    • Quick Settings > System > Software Update
  2. Which router do you currently have?
  3. Tag MetaStoreHelp 

Also.. Remember to send a bug report via Oculus apps or headset...

Here is how: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i9Q_h_yeQQ

 

Edit 2, to be clear: 

The issue is not dependent on AirLink or VirtualDesktop. It's a clear communication issue between the Quest 3 and certain routers in Quest build vertion 57.  That effects both 5Ghz and 6Ghz. Quest 2 is unaffected.

Here is the issue we are facing demonstrated to TP-link:

https://youtu.be/JFrl9rTJH8E?si=2vBOI6E2PjGvPL_7

 

If you're r not experiencing any issues please post the details on this seperate thread: https://communityforums.atmeta.com/t5/Get-Help/What-Wifi-6e-routers-currently-works-bug-free-with-the-Quest-3/td-p/1101778

 

Edit 3 - Update:

Version 59 showed no improvement. TP-Link has received a unit and are experiencing the same negotiation rate problems. They are investigating the problem. 

 

MetaStoreHelp has stated that they are working on the issue and it will be fixed in a future firmware update. https://communityforums.atmeta.com/t5/Get-Help/Unstable-wifi-covarage-with-Quest-3-on-some-Router-Brands-Known/m-p/1099915#M241197

 

Edit 4 - Update...
TP-Watched  @VirtualOmnipresence 's video  and confirmed: 

Our Wireless RD found that it might be the case Quest3 are kind Quest3's wireless connection rate strategy is more aggressive in terms of speed reduction. Once it encounters wireless packet loss or interference, it will reduce the negotiation rate on a large scale, thus affecting the actual wireless performance.

In other words, it is actually unnecessarily overly sensitive... especially when interference is basically impossible at 6GHz.

We've tested the Quest3 v57(haven't got v59 yet) so far with almost all our routers from wifi6e to wifi7 with QCA/BCM chipest...

Also thanks a lot for your updates about that article, we will also notice to get the previous quest2 sample to check how it works with our router in old firmware, then upgrade it to newer one for checking.

We will also focus on this issue later quickly if there's new firmware released.

 

Edit 5 - November 20th 2023

Still no more contact with meta and the silence is deafening. 

Though with the new update to v.59 it is actually a lot better on AXE75 for both 5g and 6g. It's fluxing, but not below 1200 in 6g and not below 720 in 5g. Making it... "usable"... if you are relatively close to your router.

Here is my video in my test with v. 59.

We still want to take advantage of the 2401 Mbps so that we are not reliant on no interference and being 2 to 3 meters from the access point. 

Any working 6Ghz device connected to a 6 Ghz router, dedicated at close range should output a connection at 2401Mbps. If it doesn't it's simply not working correctly. 

So I'm not giving you a pass just yet Meta. 😉

 

Edit 6 December 8th

A lot of new posts here and in my community on still experiencing this issue making their wireless experience unbearable. The uptick has been noticeable since the release of SteamLink bringing more people over to PC wireless. 

I also go a new confirmation from MetaSupport over email:

Meta Store Support following up on your issue.

To clarify, the issue you are experiencing is most likely to be patched up with a new software update. I know how inconvenient this may be for you. We really appreciate your extended patience and utmost understanding regarding this matter. As much as I would like to give you an exact timeline, since this is still a known issue, I'm afraid we are still unable to provide an exact date for it.

This is also for our customers, as we don't want to set you an expectation that is vague. We value transparency here at Meta, and we can assure you that we will quickly contact you as soon as possible once the issue is resolved or workarounds are provided.

We're eager to have this one sorted out for you, so we'll keep an eye on this issue. Looking forward to solve this issue at your earliest convenience so you can proceed enjoying your VR experience.

----

later:

I can confirm that your issue regarding Wi-Fi connection has been coordinated with our engineering team; however, they didn't provide an exact time; maybe they are still figuring out the root cause of the issue. By the way, thank you for the clear explanation of your issue; that helps us a lot.

 

Edit December 14th Update from MetaStoreHelp 

Hey everyone! I wanted to let you all know that I heard back from our engineering team. It looks like there might've been some changes with the recent v60 update. I recommend checking your headset to make sure that it is updated to the latest version, and then checking your Wi-Fi connection with your headset. If you're still having trouble after updating your headset, please let me know the below information and I'll pass it along to our engineering team so this can be looked into further.

  1. Router make and model.
  2. Router firmware.
  3. Full Headset version. (59.0.0.##)
    1. Settings > System > Software Update

---

Here is my video on testing version 60

tfosseli
tfosseliAnswer
Inspiring
February 8, 2024

EDIT May 21th 2024: The bug returned with build v.65. Lets hope its a hiccup.  

...

 

Hey everyone! Build v62 has officially arrived, and I'm pleased to announce that my initial issues have been resolved. The speeds remain rock solid at 2401Mbps, even when I'm in a different room from the router. There was only one brief 5-second disconnect, which was swiftly resolved and did not reoccur during my session.

The issues concerning fluctuating speeds, packet losses, and random negotiation rates have all but disappeared.

However, I'm aware that some of you are still encountering difficulties connecting to the 6G network in general and are experiencing random disconnects. I'm unsure if these issues are related, especially as the problem doesn't seem to be consistent with router brands.

I recommend creating a separate forum thread on the matter so that those affected can voice their concerns and avoid being mixed up with the excitement in this thread.

Thank you to everyone who has engaged in civil discussions and shared their experiences and constructive feedback. And thank you to MetaStoreHelp and TheAntiSocializer for making sure our issues were heard by the Meta engineers. 

 

Edit: if your experiencing micro studders in AirLink follow this thread: https://communityforums.atmeta.com/t5/Get-Help/Quest-3-Airlink-micro-lags-and-stutter-esp-when-moving-head/m-p/1150175/ 

 

When a "problems finding 6G Wi-Fi" thread is created, share it here, and I'll add a link to it. 

(I can't stay as the OP of a post concerning problems connecting to a 6G network as I am not experiencing that particular problem and can't replicate it.)

 

1188 replies

t3chnod3lic
Up and Coming
December 12, 2023

META customer support and software devs are a joke. God, they make HTC look terrific.

New Participant
December 13, 2023

Linksys MX8500 (Atlas Max 6E Tri-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6E) routers have the same problem. Shows on my 2 quest 3s. All my other devices work great and my phones use 6Ghz no issue. I had to turn on the Wi-Fi on my modem (5Ghz) in addition to my router just to connect my quests. The router has the latest firmware, I'd attribute it to the Quest 3. Hope it is fixable via firmware update.

Up and Coming
December 13, 2023

With AXE75 connected to headset at 6ghz, I'm yet to see the headset TX drop below 1700 and the RX below 1900 when watching the values in the headsets wifi setting and walking around my space. 

For some reason if I do the same while viewing the Virtual Desktop stats, it will report a 2400 connection almost the entire time, maybe dropping to 2100 briefly, so not sure which stat is the most honest

It's been the same for version 57, 59 and now 60.  The Q3 is the only 6ghz connected device in the house.

The only changes to the AXE75 I've made from the default settings is turning off DHCP and adding wifi passwords

LunchAndJosh
Inspiring
December 13, 2023

Can we expect a fix for this in v61? MetaStoreHelp 

Participant
December 13, 2023

Can we expect a fix for this in v61? @MetaQuestSupport 

Inspiring
December 13, 2023

v60 made the issue (it´s stuttering for me - MBps aren´t fluctuating with my router) worse for me .... now I´m getting 2-3 stutters per Beat Saber level with an Asus AXE16000 - before there was like 1 stutter per hour. It´s unbelievable .... Is anyone experiencing the same?

Edit: MBps is still stable at 2401 MBps.

Up and Coming
December 13, 2023

Still just as bad after v60. Stuttering in VD, Airlink and SteamVR. 

Participant
December 13, 2023

I logged into this forum for the first time to let you now that i really appreciate what you are doing for the Quest community, Thomas. Thanks!

To the issue at hand, and just in case Meta does read this topic (yeah i know, but hope dies last...): I have Quest 3 v59 and TP-Link AXE75 as dedicated router on 6GHz, and 2-3m uninterrupted sight line from the router. My bandwidth is fluctuating at 1200-2100Mbps with Virtual Desktop, instead of staying at 2400Mbps.

I'm very disappointed by Meta's handling of the issue, to be frank, and currently spreading the word in my community against the Quest 3. If a product is advertised as standalone AND PCVR-capable, it should work in both use cases.

What makes matters worse is that there's no alternative to the wireless use, because Cable-Link is not even working anymore - instead of seeing Oculus Dash or Home, the Quest 3 screen remains black.

PS: Why is my post not showing inside the forum thread? This forum is weird...

Participant
December 13, 2023

I use only airlink I used to use virtual desktop but when airlink came out I decided to switch. I bought a cheap Asus RT-AX54HP wifi 6 router that i use an JUST and access point for ONLY MY quest. wifi is set to 80hz, for a cheap router using it as an AP is insane. the latency is low the speed of my quest 3 over airlink is so smooth I have tested this in pavlov, Asgard's wrath, and dare I say it expert+ in beat saber, and I am shocked this holds its own, even in beat saber which I would never use a wireless solution for that game it would ALWAYS be link cable. But now I may ditch the cable. So are you all using virtual desktop, airlink or steam link or a combination of all? Are you using a dedicated AP for you quest that only has you pc and quest 3 connected? or are you doing a full router setup?

Up and Coming
December 14, 2023

Is there other people who had a decent experience with one of the 'working' routers and since v60 are back to square one?

Because that could mean that they did something on the WiFi side. Well, they did something wrong apparently but still.

MetaStoreHelp Please give us some proper news about this issue. Ignoring your customers who have issues because of YOUR hardware is a despicable attitude.

We definitely should all try to raise Mark Zuckerberg's attention on this one as well as VR related websites, IGN, and co.

Inspiring
December 14, 2023

ASUS GT-AXE16000, V60 is no different than V59 for me, works well, 2400mbps 70% of the time 2161mbps 30% of the time, no stuttering or significant lag at max VD settings.

Up and Coming
December 14, 2023

OK a 600€ router still kinda works.

What about the others? 

Inspiring
December 14, 2023

If mine works fine, the three with same chipsets should all work no prob-

 

ASUS GT-AX6000

ASUS GT-AX11000 PRO

ASUS GT-AXE16000

Up and Coming
December 14, 2023

It doesn’t work like that. People can have different experience with same settings and router while being in a different region. And it isn’t about interference really but WiFi drivers on the headset being setup correctly. It’s not the first issue like this and previously those issues were fixed with WiFi driver updates that made WiFi module properly work for different regions and environments.