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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 16, 2023

Meta should at the very least give us a setting in the headset to revert back to v59. It wasn't perfect, but boy was it better than v60. I wish I'd never updated. Unless this bloody Wifi issue is fixed soon, I'll be avoiding v61 like the plague. Last night I had to drop the bitrate down so low on Arizona Sunshine 2 (on PC) it looked like the native Q3 version. What a joke.

Participant
December 16, 2023

The worst thing is that i explicitly set my Quest 3 to NOT auto-update, only critical/security updates. It still updated to v60, without even asking me. Am i the owner of this device, or Meta?

t3chnod3lic
Up and Coming
December 16, 2023

I'm sure I saw a 'cancel' option underneath as it was updating.

t3chnod3lic
Up and Coming
December 16, 2023

It gets worse with every update. By the time v61 comes out, wifi won't be working at all. And why haven't other people complained if its widespread? same headsets, same firmware? I think if this was covered more in the vr press, it may actually make Meta take it seriously. And I read it's affecting the Quest Pro too. As long as this issue is discussed in this little corner of the Meta forum, it's never gonna get any traction.

New Participant
December 17, 2023

Sorry i replied to wrong thing 😕

New Participant
December 17, 2023

Owner of Tp-Link AXE75 / AXE5400 router

Firmware Version:
1.1.9 Build 20231115 rel.37295(4555)
Hardware Version:
Archer AXE75 v1.0
 
My quest 3 is running latest updates and indeed wifi speed is fluctuating alot even with the router right next to me.
Up and Coming
December 17, 2023

i have filed my own report with the report button tested two connections both wireless intel adapter and  virgin model 3 router. i then sent in data it was very laggy in vr when connected to pcs wifi card which can be made better by 5ghz channel but router only does 5 ghz and wifi card is an intel ax211 wifi 6E 160mhz and only using a 20mhz channel to connection over 6ghz cant alter it, and 80 mhz channel over 5 ghz with very unstable and unusable the router is best connection speed  but still not good enough over the dedicated wifi card when the wifi card should be magnitudes better then wifi 5 according to specs max i ever had on my quest 2 was 1200mhz stable solid all the time so never moaned now i know i should be getting over 2000 i feel ripped off and could have had a smoother experience than i have been  even if i could get half of 2000mhz connection lol ifeel the worst with worst been 0 to 300 mbps stutteres freezes and alsorts trying to get my hand to move my pointer so i can quite vr link lol takes over 20 seconds to respond to a hand movement so you have to be like the statue men in town perfectly still in a pose as it changes screen for the second time in the last 30 to 60 seconds lol paint me silver or gold and call me a statue when i try to get vr working

Up and Coming
December 17, 2023

Wifi cards in PC are using Windows hotspot to work. Windows hotspot is the worst possible thing you can use for wireless PCVR. It's unstable, hard to troubleshoot and inconsistent. 

Participant
December 17, 2023

MetaStoreHelp 
Situation: My dedicated router is in the same room as my PC; 2 until 3 meters away from me, more than 1 meter above the floor, no obstacles within the router. Router hooked up with ethernet cable to PC. I just use Airlink. 200 fixed. Nothing was changed in registry or debug tool. Router is working in default mode/automatic mode.

Issues with my Quest 3:
- sometimes it does not find 6-GHz-Band, or it takes some time
- Usual stuttering like everyone else mentions
- "broken" picture sometimes when moving my head

  1. Asus RT-AXE7800.
  2. Router firmware: 3.0.0.4.388_22068
  3. Full Headset version: 60.0.0.173.366.544898056

    Btw: I used the VR bridge before the ASUS router. With ASUS router it's better but still problematic.
New Participant
December 17, 2023

I have Quest 3 and many TP-Link Omada EAP670 and 650 HD access points. I'm playing in about 2 meters from the access point (5 GHz, 1200 mbps network capability) and my quest is permanently switching between 720-650-450-350 mbps. I have also quest 2 - it has stable 1200 mbps connection without any hopping. 

Up and Coming
December 18, 2023

I'm wondering how many more people will join this thread after Christmas.

t3chnod3lic
Up and Coming
December 18, 2023

I'm wondering when META will fix this issue. They seem pretty clueless to me. Pretty good with hardware.. lousy with software. Hense the reason v60 is worse for me over v59. £600+ for a headset and it runs like cr@p. Wish i'd returned it tbh. Wish i'd got myself a Big Screen Beyond instead.