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

[acreed11]

Hey mate - unfortunately v62 has only solved the overall/average negotiated rate but it does not mitigate the intermittent stutter/lags. See my post with the a/b test streaming via quest pro vs quest 3. Quest 3 has persistent stutter esp. when moving the head set whilst q pro does not at all. Would be great if you can not close the issue as yet to avoid this not being fully fixed. Your bringing attention to it has clearly materially helped.

[acreed11]

My post is on previous page 106 towards the bottom and includes screenshots showcasing the link stuttering in the perf graph

[tfosseli]

I recommend copying your post to a new thread. I am not experiencing any of the issues you are describing and you'd be better of starting fresh. Mabye get inn more people with the same experience.

[MrRobotG]

As has already been stated, your graphs show it’s an issue with the encoding/decoding not the network.  Get VD, it performs better anyway and it will show you exactly where the issue is. 

[FunkyTanuki]

I agree with @tfosseli. Starting a new thread would help notice any differences in the issue if their are any and it would help us get a better idea of who is being effected by this

[acreed11]

Not sure on what basis you're drawing that conclusion.

I have tested VD, AL, ALVR, etc. I'm familiar with the various debug overlays. VD fluctuates a bit on network (as expected) - the reason I'm showing the AL instead of VD overlay is because the AL graps much better show the very brief stutters.

Again, the issue only happens on q3 and not on q pro with same res, codec etc. set, and is exacerbated when moving the headset. Not sure what in any of this indicates an issue other than network/hmd-side?

I'll open another post as advised in any case.

[Kumalo82]

My experience since December with this WiFi  Telenovela

V60 --> Pretty orrible, i tried 2 router Huawei Ax3 Pro and Xiaomi AX2600 and both of them are unable to give me the 1200mbit stable at 1mt distance.....stuttering and shimmering everywhere

V62 Public Test --> My god it was my solution, almost rock solid with 1200mbit @3mt from the routers, with both of them are rock solid, less latency with Xiaomi, with this Firmware i'm able to play Alyx with VD and Red Matter 2 with VD  too

V62 Official --> Guys are you f@##ing kidding me? Seriously? Again? both router @1mt rock solid @1200mbitonly if i have the router directly in front of me, when i round myself immediately Mbit drop to 720/576 with a lot of stuttering and shimmering....no way guys give me back the V62 Public Test please....

At the end i can say that since first day of december when i bought this Quest i was only able to play PCVR games via Wifi for about 20 days, the time to have the V62 of the public test channel installed, luckily I'm a simdriver and I use it 90% with the cable, but even here we draw a veil of mercy

you're making us lose the desire to play PCVR, first a terrible and inadequate support for what we paid for the cable, now also WiFi, at this point I hope some alternative comes out soon, because you play standalone mobile phone games yourself 

[Matt_O_J]

I'm still getting this issue after the update, bought a quest 3 yesterday hoping to play through VD on my pc, everything still runs great on my quest 2 but I still get this issue on my Quest 3

[Ruined]

ASUS GT-AX6000 (or GT-AX11000 PRO, GT-AXE16000) seems to solve issue for most people.

[Matt_O_J]

I don't really want to have to buy a new router just to fix the problem as I already just spent money on a new VR and I should already have everything thats right for it...