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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. πŸ˜‰

 

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

New Participant
December 20, 2023

I'm using wpa2 with wifi 6 5GHz. Tested with Channel 36, 100 (and various others)

Edit: Subjectivly Channel 36 works a tiny bit better than 100 (disconnect after 3s instead of 1s...) but this can have various reasons.

From what the FritzBox tells me, the connection properties between the local network and the Guest network are the same:

- WiFi 6
- Channel Bandwidth 160Mhz
- Freq 5Ghz
- Streams 2x2
- Signal Strength: -50dBm to -45dBm
- WPA 2
- QoS WMM
- Signal Properties: STBC, LDPC, MU-MIMO, 11k, 11v

Up and Coming
December 20, 2023

But we don't care. We bought a 550€ product. We want it to work, period. WiFi 6, 6E, 78, 196, it doesn't matter. I'm not gonna investigate more for this multi billion dollars company...

I just received my new Quest 3. If this isn't fixed by the end of January, I'll send it back again. And I'll do this over and over until it's fixed or another good headset hits the market. (Valve?)

Up and Coming
December 20, 2023

Today I fiddled around Virtual Desktop to see if v60 has solved anything. I'm using Asus AXE11000 and Quest 3 wasn't seeing 6E connection. Now, when I read a comment here that says creating guest network helps isolate the connection. So I created a 6E guest network and saw that Quest 3 now sees both 6E networks. Not all the time but more than previously that is for sure... I had to turn off and on the Wifi several times to see 6E network but it was immediatelly disconnecting from that. But was able to see both 6E networks straight away this time. It could not connect to the guest network but was able to connect to the normal one.

So, 5 GHz shows 1200 mbps stable connection BUT Alyx has slightly anoying stutters, movies played through VD's own video tab has also stutters. I've tried H264+ with bitrate in between 300-500.

Then I tried Wifi 6E (6 GHz), It provided 2400 mbps stable connection and even at 500 bitrate Alyx was smooth. 

AXE11000 is in the same room, using latest Merlin firmware. Did some tweaks on the professional tab that I saw here and there on Reddit.

Linksys MR7500 Wifi 6E router did not have visibility problem btw.

Going to test a bit further hopefully tomorrow.

New Participant
December 21, 2023
Edit:
Changed the 6Ghz to 5Ghz Wifi to correct my text.
 
Original:
I don't know if this has already been mentioned, and I know it's not a final solution. But:
 
It helped me to change the 5Ghz Wifi of my router from WIFI6 to WIFI5.
Since then my gaming experience has been smoother than ever.
 
Setup:
Router: 7590AX (Version: 7.57)
Meta Quest 3 Version: 60
Participant
December 21, 2023

I’m not following l, 6ghz is part of the wifi6e spec? How are you changing it to wifi5?

Participant
December 21, 2023

Sounds, that he mixed up Wifi6(ax) 5Ghz and Wifi6e 6Ghz a bit. 

The mentioned Fritzbox has no 6e option.  So what he most probably mean is disabling ax mode of 5Ghz so that you end up with 1733? 

TheAntiSocializer
Honored Contributor
December 22, 2023

Hey everyone, just jumping in here as a general reminder. As much as I love debates, let's be sure to try and be respectful towards one another.

Sometimes it's okay to be a little Bing Chilling
Up and Coming
January 7, 2024

How about if Meta sets the example by respecting it's customers and fixing this issue or issuing an official statement that you can't, so people don't end up playing the hardware lottery and losing due to getting a bad quest 3 and only realizing it after the warranty expires

Participant
December 22, 2023

Wow.. just wow. You knew exactly what I meant. I was talking in the context of routers and wifi6e routers support 6ghz were as wifi6 routers don’t. 

it’s obvious you are just interested in trolling/harrassing people on this forum.

 

Up and Coming
December 22, 2023

That is the correct way to phrase it, thanks for the correction/clarification πŸ™‚

Up and Coming
December 22, 2023

I managed to get 2401 Mbps over Wifi 5 and 6, with 500 Mbps Bitratre from AXE11000. It was buttery smooth, no stutters.

 

Up and Coming
December 22, 2023

I suggest testing with other games. half life alyx has dynamic resolution scaling to make sure you hit your target FPS at the settings that you use. It's actually way easier to run than people think. It can still look good on some old GPUs and perform at good FPS

Up and Coming
December 22, 2023

update didnt change anything

ItsBegger
New Participant
December 22, 2023

Same here V60 did not fix the issue for me.

New Participant
December 22, 2023

Hey Meta. What's the update on the new update?