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

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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

A

Audis

Participant

Same here, my Quest 3 has a massive problem with WiFi connection speed while Quest 2 worked flawlessly. I can't even play AirLink or Virtual Desktop right now due to the video feed being a slideshow.

I have tried connecting my Phone to the hotspot first which doesn't help, and connecting a Laptop to the hotspot which gives me 600 Mbps on the Quest 3 but that's still causing me stutters in PCVR when I quickly turn my head. It should just run at 1200 Mbps.

1. Version: 57.0.0.297.669.526537896

2. Router: Computer hotspot from an integrated AX200 Wifi 6 card in the same room.

Quest 2: Solid 1200 Mbps

Quest 3: Below 250 Mbps Receive speed.

B

bartolomeofra

Participant

He Audis, do I understand correctly: with the Q2 you didn‘t have to connect your phone first to unlock the higher bandwidth? So that means Meta fixed that for Q2 means for me they can fix it for Q3 to?

A

Audis

Participant

No I'm sorry, Q2 gets 1200 Mbps only after I connect the phone.

Q3 gets 250 Mbps even after connecting a phone, and 600 Mbps after connecting a laptop. The 600 is still not good enough to have as flawless of an experience as Q2 with 1200.

A

Audis

Participant

/deleted

D

dedmoin

Inspiring

Today i was at the shop to see if they have an USB cable that would work for Quest 3 and to verify my options to when and how to return the HMD, when I found a cheap WiFi Netgear Router. It is only WiFi 5 ac but also only a bit more expensive than a good USB cable (which I don't want to use anyways).

Connected to the new router the Quest 3 is eventually usable although it says it is only a 800mbits connection. Playing AudioTrip was absolutely OK. In Asgard's Wrath there were some artifacts but otherwise no issues.

I could only test with Virtual Desktop since Airlink didn't find my PC (again) lol.

I will do some further tests and try to improve the connection quality during the weekend.

I used HVEC and decode latency was already above 15ms while using low bitrate (less to process). Does someone knows the latency with higher bitrate and using H.265?

F

Flobud

Up and Coming

But... You can't improve anything since Meta broke the Quest 3 WiFi. I mean, this is what this thread is about.😅

So 15ms on Quest 3 is "normal" for now. I've around the same with AV1 codec and it gets worse if I move my head fast.

Let's hope they fix it asap. 🤞

A

Audis

Participant

.

F

FreeHonorKill

New Participant

Been having Wifi6(ax) issues on both Quest 2 and Quest 3 ever since this firmware update. Every single time I pick up either headset, I'm greeted with a notification that the headset had lost Wifi connection entirely. They usually reconnect, and at 1200Mbps, but I've also watched the Wifi connection drop for no reason while the headset is on my head. Not other Wifi devices in this household behave this poorly. Furthermore, the headsets are less than 10 feet from the router when in typical use.

Router is an ASUS RT-AX86U running Merlin firmware ( https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/about ) 3004.388.4
Both the Quest 2 and 3 are on Runtime version 57.0.0.295.669.526236543 and Version 57.0.0.297.669.526537896

P

Poogobbler

New Participant

I am having almost the exact same scenario play out. Quest 3 latest update & TP Link AX3000 Wifi 6 Router. I get the same notification every time I put the headset back on. It will usually auto reconnect at 960Mbps and bounce back and forth to 1200Mbps. Never above 1200. Made sure my router is set to 160Mhz, no other devices aside from my phone connected to the 5Ghz channel. I am less than 10 feet from the router at times. Until I found this thread about it I thought it was my fault.. Guess not.

C

CaptainSnickerdoodle

Up and Coming

Did y’all see this twitter post ?

”Just a heads up for folks using their new Quest 3 to stream PCVR games. It looks like the headset has network performance issues with routers running in Wi-Fi 5 (AC) mode. The issue disappears when switching the router to Wi-Fi 6 (AX) or Wi-Fi 6e (AXE) mode.”

https://x.com/VRDesktop/status/1712555912727282135?s=20

F

Flobud

Up and Coming

Yes but this isn't true, the issue also exists on Wifi 6, it's just mitigated because of the higher speed.

There is a general issue with wifi on the Quest 3.

tfosseliAuthor

Inspiring

Found this or reddit... This is how it should preform on a Wifi 6e nett:

https://www.reddit.com/r/OculusQuest/comments/17cy1yg/performance_metrics_for_the_all_in_quest_3/

Good and stable at 2400 Mbps, but this is with a Linksys Hydra Pro 6E Tri‑Band.

My AX75 is all over the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKmRA7-44zU

🙂Any progress MetaStoreHelp ?

M

malloces

New Participant

Same issues.

Version: 57.0.0297.669.526537896

Router Xiaomi AX3600, only for my quest 3. My computer to the router with ethernet 1Gb.

Quest 2 works fine, but quest 3 is unestable.

I m about 2 m from router and in the same room, without neighbors, sometimes I can see quest wifi meter only show 2 lines instead all lines (3), and sometimes air quest link says that signal is media... I m afraid beacuse it can be a hardware problem (low signal reception)....

I tried disable wifi 6 from router (wifi 5), disable mino, but not works.

Right now, I'm not interested in my Quest 3, the main thing I wanted them for was to play PCVR, and at the moment it is impossible...

Update: I have changed router firmware to chinese version, so it has more wifi range (power), now quest 3 works better, but not fine, I m about 2 metres from router.

N

neoxx0

Participant

Connection of the Quest 3 to the asus zenwifi pro et12 axe11000 on Wifi 6e works nearly never. Somestimes it finds the network after a couple minutes but in most cases it doesn't, completely unusable device for this usecase in this state. Tried several different wifi channels, makes no difference.

A

Audis

Participant

I just bought ASUS TUF-AX3000 V2:

In 80 MHz mode (which is 1200 Mbps cap), Virtual Desktop is unplayable at 200 Mbps. Whenever I quickly turn my head the video will turn into a slideshow for a couple seconds while connection speed drops to <300 Mbps.

In 160 MHz mode (2402 Mbps cap), Virtual Desktop works even on 400 Mbps and shaking my head doesn't cause any hiccups.

But what is constant throughout all scenarios is that the wifi connection speed keeps dropping down to 70-90% of the maximum speed instead of staying at max, and as a result the network latency keeps sporadically jumping from 4 ms to ~10 ms and I'm dropping frames here and there which could be due to unstable wifi connection.

T

TheodonKhel

Up and Coming

I tried ASUS AXE11000 and TP Link AXE75. All possible configurations, channels etc. I tried factory resetting, connecting to the router on other band (5GHz and 2.4GHz) to make the Quest "slip" into 6GHz. Nothing works. Similar problem with same symptoms was happening in Quest Pro but I could at least connect eventually (I would have to restart headset multiple times or wait 5-10 minutes for the network to be found and connected). On Quest 3 it doesn't connect at all. I can't use other bands due to network congestion. PCVR is bad on anything else than 6GHz. I consider returning the Quest 3 untill Meta addresses the issue. Especially since the v59 is a sign of neglect of newly released headset with obvious problems. If I wait for v60 I might not be able to return it anymore (30 day window) and obviously I don't have a guarantee v60 will have a fix.

D

darekd1977

Participant

I bought an Asus RT-AXE7800 3-band router and I don't see the 6Ghz network on my Quest 3. I have already tried all the settings, the network did not appear even for a moment.
Please help me, what should I do because I am devastated, the router cost me a lot and it seems to be completely functional, so what is the problem?

A

AsusDKD

New Participant

Have the Same router, the following settings work fine:

Edit: Nevermind problems are back after a few hours

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