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

[tfosseli]

• 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 @MetaQuestSupport 

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-th...

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 @MetaQuestSupport 

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-th...

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. 

@MetaQuestSupport 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-Br...

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 @MetaQuestSupport 

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

[Ruined]

I understand that, but due to the density of electronics in the quest 3 (compared to the less dense quest 2), since launch the routers with the most powerful signals and best processing have performed the best.  So if you want it to work upgrading your router, which will also benefit the rest of you home network, is a good solution 

[Matt_O_J]

Is there any cheaper options than the ones you mentioned which actually work cause I can't really afford to pay for one of those ones.

[Ruined]

Probably could also get away with the ASUS RT-AX86U PRO, but the maximum $50 you'd save from the GT-AX6000 IMO isn't worth it because it is functionally a significant step down overall from the GT-AX6000.  The GT-AX6000 you will be all set for a long time, it is a solid performer in all categories.

[acreed11]

Sounds good, new thread here, thanks for any help!

https://communityforums.atmeta.com/t5/Get-Help/Quest-3-Airlink-micro-lags-and-stutter-esp-when-movin...

[yermolim]

I can recommend the ASUS AX3000 V2 as a cheaper alternative.

Initially, I tried using my TP-Link AX53 and C6. The experience was far from perfect. V62 did not fix the issue for those routers in my case. I experienced the same stuttering and network issues with the only visible change compared to v60 being the steady connection speed number. I mentioned that a few pages back in this topic.

I had looked through different discussions including this one and found that the abovementioned ASUS seemed to work fine for most people even before v62 if set to 160MHz. By coincidence, I know a person who owns a router of this exact model. I borrowed if for testing and I can confirm that it works flawlessly with Q3. Steady 2401 Mbs and no visible lags. Hence, I bought one for myself and all is good so far.

I'm still disappointed because of wasting additional money and time on finding the solution to the issue that should have never been present if the product had been tested properly before the release, but at least I can enjoy playing PCVR games finally.

[Matt_O_J]

thanks for your response i guess ill look into getting that router while it does suck that i have to buy a different one.

[Freds690069]

For the last 3 years, Ive used a netgear r6230.

with q3 on v62 I get a solid 866 speed.

that router is like $40 on eBay and supports AP mode.

[Matt_O_J]

I probably should've checked this first but my quest is still on V60 and when I check for updates it says there are none so I don't even have the new V62 update available yet or am I missing something??

I just assumed I was on V62 cause I had no updates available

Edit: so i updated to the new version and the dowload speed no longer fluctuates instead i get a lot of micro stutters and sometimes big stutters when moving my head around, the same issue as acreed11 mentioned, i wouldnt be so bothered but its quite frequent and VD it seems to delay my microphone

[Digipro]

i had same problem i checked the beta test channel in the oculus software and i was not getting the beta updates , so i went on my phone that was connected to the quest 3 and checked settings and it was not enabled in the oculus phone app settings so i changed it on the oculus phone app and when i powered the oculus on it registered there was a beta update to v62 from v60 that was on my quest. so i had to enable it in both the pc oculus app and on the phone oculus app that was connected to the quest.

i am still having problems the quest will connect to 5ghz at 2400 but my 6ghz channel it only connects now at 1200. i am currently able to play vr with a few hitches on both channels but i have to use virtual desktop to get anything playable, oculus software goes very laggy and stuttery. i start it up connect to the oculus software to go in gray vr room and it starts a bit laggy clears up a bit then when i select desktop monitor 1 or 2 in vr it goes very laggy, tried setting high and low power in graphics settings either onboard intel power saver or NVidia high performance  neither give acceptable performance. but sometimes it does run smoothly . its like someone is stood outside every ones window with a  wifi quest 3 bug device they turn on every so often when someone is playing their quest 3 , just a joke .

[Digipro]

i 100% agree with you its what business do they give the poor cheap wifi and the rich the wifi they promised the poor  but with lots of other extras . wifi 6 should be wifi 6 for the rich and the poor and if you want extra features then you need to be rich but basics should work for all both rich and poor if you want it gold plating and to do a little dance on command then you pay extra. my virgin router works fine considering its a basic router it only connected at 833mbs but it was rock stable my onboard ax211 wifi used to work perfect with quest 2 at 1200mbs all day long 3 metres away from my pc . but quest 3 i could only get up to 833 but hovered around 100-200mbs the 833 where very quick spikes. so i was very annoyed that my £500 ax211 motherboard could no longer work with the new quest 3 which by all accounts it was good enough for the quest 2 but not quest 3 ( it was one of my reasons for purchasing such a motherboard  . i have recently purchased the TP-Link AX7800 AXE95 model triband. I disabled both 2.4ghz and 5ghz on the virgin router and just have to tp-link doing the wifi now, 2.4ghz for my phone 5 and 6 ghz channels are used for the quest 3 wifi 5 i get 2400mbs and wifi 6 i used to get 2400mbs now i only get 1200mbs on wifi 6 ?? im going to reset the router and see if that gets me 2400 on the 6ghz channel as this happened before after altering a setting and only got sorted after resetting router, changing the setting back and rebooting did not work. now i don't know what settings it could be i have messed that much trying to get it working properly. 

i have noticed on virtual desktop that the resolution of the game is 67% but looks much sharper and clearer than oculus i am thinking cause of the game resolution been reduced to 67% in virtual desktop although i dont know how to change it as changing the fps does not do anything half the time it stays on 72fps not the 90 i set it at i have an rtx 3070 which is what i select in virtual desktop software with 90 fps i get really good image but only 72 fps i had it working at 80 fps and 90fps once but when i started VD up again it was back at 72 fps again checked options and its set at 90fps thats another problem though but it does not help with unreliable quest 3 wifi speeds so proper testing cannot be done yet till the wifi problems are sorted , if i take quest 3 back i have a worthless £1500 sim rig plus a £250 router i had to buy , so i am not a happy bunny at all as this shouldn't be happening , its ok saying its all this technology but if you claim to make something then it needs to work as you claim it to work , thats why i dont claim to be a maths professional cause i cant do maths very good  =if i said i could and gave you a service that would make me a Lier and a deceiver and just after your money. if i say i can i can if i say i will i will, if i say i cant i cant if i say anything other and do anything other my word is not my bond. and if my word is not my bond i am nothing but a thief and a Lier.

not a religious debate just an observation of true hypocrisy and shows you the spirit behind it.

there's a platform that's about to arrive that will do away with all other platforms and it does not belong to any man and it would be good "business" to "A line" . cause these things must be  " IT IS THE WAY" 😉