Inspiring

Solved

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

1188 replies
383320 views

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.

For video references on the issue here is a playlist in chronological order

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:

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

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

---

Here is my video on testing version 60

tfosseliAnswer

Inspiring

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.)

Show previous replies

M

marco328844

New Participant

My tests have shown the following:

Fritzbox 5590 - Wifi6 - 1200 Mbit - Dropouts and problems

Tenda RX27 Pro - Wifi6E -1200 Mbit up to 1700 Mbit - strong fluctuations and dropouts

Asus ROG Rapture GT-AXE11000 - Wifi6E - 2400Mbit - Works fine and stable

In each case, the routers are a maximum of 1 metre away from the Quest 3. Tested with Steam Link and Virtual Desktop

M

MontellS

Participant

These posts can be a bit dangerous. AXE11000 is on sale in canada for 80 more then my AXE7800, for today yet only. I almost went and bought one and returned my AXE7800 due to your post, but then I decided to do a bit more research, the quest reddit forum is listing people who say they eventually get lag spikes and trouble finding the 6e network the last few months with this one as well. Although you often see people arguing one has the issue and another doesnt, so its very hard to say.

With that said ASUS was a massive upgrade over tplink AXE75 which was unusable for me. I would keep testing if possible unless all those reddit posts on that router are wrong.

I actually got my AXE7800 ASUS connecting to wifi right away now I think (more testing is needed) before it was not discoverable until I sat in the wifi settings menu for awhile. I turned off randomized mac as suggested and it didnt find it, so then I turned on my wifi 5ghz radio and now it detects 6ghz right away.

With that said quest really needs to get there act together and fix it. The whole point of 6ghz is to not need your 5ghz radio running yet congesting your network. Surely this is not a hard fix if turning on a 5ghz radio solves the 6ghz not showing up?

As for spikes my AXE7800 is generally stable at 2400 but it does fluctuate a bit to, but not enough to cause issues unless I have the bitrate extremely high.

T

TM9106

Participant

Got a asus Rog axe16000 today. Rock solid 2401mbps connection at 6ghz band. No problems finding the 6e wifi with my quest 3. Very enjoyable gaming experience now.

Before it i had asus ax58u. It was playable but often stutters, latency spikes or frame drops. Sometimes unplayable, sometimes good. This now is all gone... But has cost me a lot of money for a router i need 10% of its capabilitys 😄

F

Freds690069

Up and Coming

Another v60 update has come out.

I think this is the third v60 update.

will it fix the wifi?

tfosseliAuthor

Inspiring

Just a reminder. There is a seperate thred to discuss working routers.

https://communityforums.atmeta.com/t5/Get-Help/What-Wifi-6e-routers-currently-works-bug-free-with-the-Quest-3/td-p/1101778

(This is to keep tensions down. In Norway the axe16000 is $635 or 6 490 nok and probably is not a viable financial option for most users.)

0

007x007

Up and Coming

For now AXE16000 is useless in EU, if somone want to use 6E. Have it and I have many problems with 6E. I can connect on specific channel, but connection is unstable (often break). Mostly quest 3 it do not see 6E and when it finally connect then disconnect and 6E is not more discoverable. Also is slower that WiFi 5. Both connect at 2401mbps, but WifFi 5 is faster. Don't waste money for expensive routers till meta do not fix it.

G

GlooP

Inspiring

That's not true - I'm using a AXE16000 in Germany with Wifi6e and there are no problems except a stutter here and there (only in Beat Saber - other games Run flawlessly).

I think that the mentioned routers work differently in different countries.... For me (Germany) the WiFi 5 and WiFi 6 bands of the AXE16000 don't work at all....

T

topcatgc

New Participant

Hi tfosseli,

i have a tp link vx420 G2h,latest version , laggy wont work properly, quest links showing channel width only 20 MHz which comes red. Quest latest version firmware 59. Only bought this for iracing sim.

D

darekd1977

Participant

Attention! Quite important information.
I had, as I also described in this thread and on the meta forum, problems with both Quest 3 and the stability of the 6GHz network, as well as with its visibility on my Surface 9 Pro laptop (GT-AXE16000 router).
The laptop sometimes saw the 6GHz network after turning it on, but not after going to sleep, and this could last even several days when the 6GHz network was not visible on the list of available networks.

Recently I made one change, namely I hid the SSID for one of the four networks propagated by the router, specifically for 5 GHz-2. On my laptop, the 6GHz network immediately became visible!
Perhaps this will also improve its stability on quest 3 and detection after turning on the goggles, which I will test further. I am writing to let you know that such a change may also affect the 6GHz network in this router and perhaps it will also help you and be useful.

update:

unfortunately, my joy was premature, after I restarted the laptop, the 6GHz network was gone... so hiding the SSID does not help, and quest 3 works as unstable as before.

F

Flobud

Up and Coming

Guys, I need to do more tests but I sent my Quest 3 back before the 30 days return window was over after purchasing it day one because of this issue. My girlfriend's gift for Christmas was... A Quest 3!

Anyway, this headset has absolutely no bitrate drop issue. I played for hours several games with Airlink and nothing weird happened. Of course, nothing in my setup has changed. The headset has been manufactured in October 2023 so I don't think it could be a new revision.

So my guess is that there is some malfunctioning headsets and some working ones, which could explain why we're not a lot complaining about bitrate drops and why some guys told me they had no issues even if they had the same router as me.

My two cents: RMA this sh**. Because if we're a tiny minority of affected users, Meta is not going to fix it soon, maybe never. I'm having artifacts issues with my 4090 when using ASW since October 2022 and Meta doesn't care and probably never will.

RMA your headset.

Edit: I in fact still have the issue when moving my head fast. But the bitrate fluctuates between 866 and 480 now when before it was 866 and 10. Since the max bitrate is 200Mbps, that explains why I can play without any issue. Probably a Firmware update but the issue remains.

t3chnod3lic

Up and Coming

I kind of agree with you. There's been no real help since release nearly 3 months ago. Pretty appalling really. The only thing I'm worried about is the level of Meta customer support with their RMA process. You only have to google to see the horror stories lurking out there. Some people are on their 2nd or 3rd headset. I got mine from Curry's in the uk. I wish I had returned it within the first month.

The only other way, and it's pretty extreme... is buy another Quest headset.. say from Amazon and swap the headsets and return the bad one. Cheeky I know, but I did that with a Playstation 2 many years ago. Ok, so the serial numbers wont match with the box, but it's too late by the time they find out.

I'm not sure if you have to reset the headset first before sending it back? I went to see the customer service on the Meta site and when you click the option to report the issue your having, there isn't even an option for wi-fi..... no "Other" option.. Only things like, display, controllers, sound, battery etc. How can you report a wifi issue? there isn't even an option for that.

D

darekd1977

Participant

The only thing that remains in the light of people being cheated by the meta is the testimony of someone or even more people who returned Quest 3 under the 30-day return or RMA and bought a new one, whether the new one also has instability in wifi 6e..

C

CaptainLuds

Participant

No need for a 30 day return. Its faulty and should be covered under warranty. Just how can I launch a vendor support ticket I wonder? MetaStoreHelp how can I go about this? Its getting ridiculous and I wish to swap my headset for one tested and actually working properly.

T

thrillux

Up and Coming

I'm going to exchange for a different unit. We already see in this thread someone returned his but his GF's q3 didn't have the issue. Due to the deafening silence I think we can reasonably conclude that Meta has a hardware issue they can't/won't fix.

If I were selling my quest 3 down the line, I'd be very upset to find out mine was worth much less due to not being able to play PCVR as well as some other batch.

tfosseliAuthor

Inspiring

Hey folks, let's hold off on getting worked up until we have definitive evidence. Some units are defective, usually resulting in no WiFi connection. So far, nobody has reported successfully resolving their negotiation rate issues (fluctuating Mbps) by replacing their unit – I tried with no luck. TP-Link's three units (one in the US and two in China) all face the same issue.

The reason for the lack of reports is the minimal number of Quest 3 users using PSVR initially. Now, with the holidays and the Steam Link release, more people are noticing, though it's only 9% of VR users on Steam: [Steam Hardware Survey](https://store.steampowered.com/hwsurvey/Steam-Hardware-Software-Survey-Welcome-to-Steam).

If you happen to fix the fluctuating Mbps with a new unit, please share your success with us!

0

007x007

Up and Coming

As I said before, I had at start fluctuations, but now I have perfect, stable connection on WiFi 5Ghz (20/40/80/160Mhz channel width, FDS disabled). Maybe was fixed by router FW update or mine play with different settings. In quest 3 wifi settings I see sometimes it drop from 2401 to 22xx Mbps, but it not affect my gameplay. I do not see any stuttering for 1h gameplay. WiFi 6E I have disabled, because mostly quest 3 do not see it or when see then drop it after few seconds. I can connect on channel 9 (PSC disabled) and it stay connected at 2401Mbps but is a bit slower than WiFi 5

Router (EU) Asus Rapture AXE16000

Connection via WiFi 5Ghz. Connection speed 2401 Mbps

In game I have 50-55ms latency, due to how compression works for dynamic and static content.

D

darekd1977

Participant

I have the same router as you. Can you send me your settings and describe where your router is located in your apartment?

Show more replies

Get Help

Sign up

Login with SSO

Login to the community

Login with SSO