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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

New Participant
March 30, 2024

Just purchased a Quest 3 today, updated to latest firmware and I have unusable amount of lag with PCVR.

Every other device is fine with full strength WiFi 6.  I just upgraded from the Quest 1 and it worked perfectly in the same room.

Specs:

Meta Quest Link App Version 63.0.0.216.361 (63.0.0.216.361)

Quest Version 63.0.0.400.363.579005045

Sofware Version 49872870063700510

Windows 11

AMD R7

32 GB DDR5

RTX 4070

WiFi 6e Eero 6

New Participant
March 30, 2024

Is your PC plugged in to the network? Only the Quest should be wireless, pc should be plugged in. Are you connecting to wifi 6 or 6e? 6e has the highest throughput and the lowest latency but is also the most suseptible to physical interference; you'll need to be in the same room and line of sight. What app are you using to connect? Steam Link or Airlink? Does it happen in both?

New Participant
March 30, 2024

ziglaf 

 

PC Plugged in - Yes, ethernet

Wifi 6

Airlink

Participant
March 31, 2024

TBH, I just noticed a weird ass issue, I think its related possibly to this thread.

Quest 3

TPlink AXE75  (directly on the table 2 meters away from head set)

Connected to PC with a cable

Nothing else on wifi6e network but quest.

Just reset to fac. def settings.

ONLY on wifi6E - when I am facing (with Quest 3 on my head) the router - the transmit / receive is solid at 2401 /2401.... Now I noticed some crazy lags in Games via Air Link or VD. when I was physically turning around.

- Well, when i Face AWAY from the router, still 2m away - my transmit / receive is constantly jumping up and down - to 1200 or so...  What the actual s.. ? I think this started with v62 / v63, i never noticed this before.

Participant
April 3, 2024

other examples of HL Hylix with fixed fidelity (+vr_fidelity_level_auto 0 +vr_fidelity_level 3)
960Mbps and ASW disabed in Oceulus Debug Tools

Participant
April 4, 2024
 
I'm not sure if this problem will be solved,
as the default airlink settings do not have this problem : 
     Dynamic bitrate 200Mbps in airlink settings 
    Oculus Debug Tools - Encode Bitrate (Mbps) = 0, Encode Dynamic Bitrate - default  

but the picture quality is worse at low bitrate
 
It is not clear why, as tfosseli said - "In contrast, the Quest 2 maintains a stable 1200 Mbps on 5GHz dedicated networks." but here have limit for 960Mbps with speed fluctuations.
Now it doesn't happen every second like on old firmware, but the problem still remains.
Up and Coming
April 4, 2024

I have to agree. I think some improvement has been had, but mostly they have masked the issue for most by locking the top link speed so that unless you delve deeper you will only see a constant connection and attribute the performance to network or PC lag. As with the power issues I have to wonder where the improvements came from and at what cost to the overall performance of the headset.

Up and Coming
April 9, 2024

Still dealing with this issue with the QPro and an AXE75 (EU), speed fluctuates constantly.

Participant
April 14, 2024

After moving my TP-Link  AXE5400 away from all other electronic devices, shutting everything off except the 6ghz band, turning off all other device connections except the headset and my wired computer, I can actually get it to stay at 2401Mbps ...... provided I am facing directly at the router and about 1 meter apart. 😞 

If i turn my head in the middle of a game, or even in SteamVR, the connection will drop bad, fluctuates between 2401Mbps and 1100, latency spikes to>200ms, fps is destroyed etc...  If I then turn back around and face the router, it corrects itself very quickly and I resume the 2401Mbps, 120FPS, latency in the low to mid 30s and it's butter smooth.

Participant
April 14, 2024

This is my EXACT issue. And I recall 100% this was Not the case with v60 at least. I played mid way through HL2VR when it started, with no issues, maybe some minor lags, but nothing like this. 

Up and Coming
April 17, 2024

Here nothing changed.

TPLink AXE5400.

The Quest 3 doesn't even see 6E

My Samsung S23 gets it and connects immediately.

Participant
April 17, 2024

Hmmmm, I'm on a Quest 3 and find sometimes it connects quickly and other times I have to wait a few minutes for it to appear. 

New Participant
April 28, 2024

Issue persisting.

 

Q3 updated to v64. Meta Quest Link PC app updated to v64

 

Wifi 6 AX Only or AC, 5Ghz constant disconnects on ASUS RT-AX82U with latest firmware. Quest 2 still has no issue.

 

Participant
April 28, 2024

I had tested more with wifi6e axe5400 and major network speed drop, when turning head around are gone... But it will be still inconsistent and I had noticed network speed lags even with half life 2 vr... There nothing much going on in the game. 

tfosseli
tfosseliAuthor
Inspiring
May 21, 2024

I see this tread is still alive...

Meta Quest 3 Build v.65 has been released, and guess who decided to make a reappearance MetaStoreHelp ?

The negotiation rate bug is back baby! Fluctuating from 2401 Mbps to 1729 - 1440 Mbps every 4-5 seconds.
 
Now, I know some of you have had problems with versions 63 and 64 too. For me it's remained rock solid at 2401 mbps since v62... but now, "finally" I also get to rejoin the club! Hooray 😑...
 
But it's a lot less noticeable than it was pre v.62. At least we are getting full speed periodically, but the fluctuating speeds will still lead to some random frame drops. Let's hope Meta "refixes" this soon."
Up and Coming
May 21, 2024

This situation is beyond ridiculous now. There is obviously something seriously wrong and they are patching it or covering it up by freezing the stats, only to break that "fix" with the next update. I never even thought about my connection with the quest 2 because there was never even an indication of problems. Now with the quest 3 its a constant wondering as glitches and performance hits are experienced randomly over and over.