Need assistance improving connection speed between a router and a PC
Need assistance improving connection speed between a router and a PC
Hello everyone, I'm using an Oculus Quest 2 and trying to operate it wirelessly with my PC via the virtual desktop app. My router is close to where I use the headset, but my PC is upstairs. I've set up two Ethernet cables—both Cat 6 shielded and outdoor-rated—to run from my study to the back wall of my house, then across the floor to where I use the headset. I'm using one cable for the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and audio, while the other handles the PC via Ibik Aster. The headset experiences high latency and network fluctuations when passing through the switch. I already tested a 15-meter USB 3.0 connection from my PC through an outdoor cable to the room below, where I could use the headset directly on the PC. That worked well, so I opted for a separate router connected via Ethernet to the PC using an USB 3.0 adapter. I then tried sharing the internet between the two connections to the PC. When using virtual desktop, the bitrate limit is 150 Mbps. Connecting the headset to the second router gives around 80–130 Mbps, while linking it to the main router provides about 130 Mbps but with poor performance. If a faster router existed, could I achieve higher speeds—say 300 Mbps or more? With my current setup, a 5GHz connection to a router with no other devices would likely sustain over 150 Mbps if positioned correctly. My headset uses a Huawei AX3 3000 Wifi 6, connected via the 5GHz band. It supports up to 1200 Mbps at about 3 meters in line of sight. The AX3 connects to the router via Ethernet, then to the PC through a USB 3.0 cable. My main router is a Linksys Velop Whole Home system. My PC has a powerful build: Intel 10600k, RTX 2080 Ti, gaming GPU, ASUS TUF Z490-Plus, 16GB Wi-Fi, 3600 MHz RAM, M.2 SSDs for boot and storage, and a 100 Mbps internet connection. If you have a faster connection or a higher-bandwidth router, I’d be happy to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
Due to the fact that the speed ratings and connection rates listed in your details are both theoretical and based on ideal scenarios, such as a completely quiet RF environment—something that doesn’t actually exist anywhere except deep underground—companies often highlight these figures instead of real performance. Likely the reason is marketing strategy. My assumption is that if VR Desktop functions well without interference, the main issue probably comes from signal interruptions. Each disruption increases latency, regardless of the source. Various devices introduce more delay, particularly those that change data formats (like USB adapters to Ethernet). Every router, switch, or connection point in your network adds jitter and delay, so minimizing signal breaks will definitely improve your experience. Research suggests humans can sense delays as small as 11ms, so aim to keep round-trip latency under this threshold. To assess your network lag, I recommend using Iperf—a robust tool for testing networking performance. It’s worth learning to use it, as it can address many connectivity problems. Your idea about using an Ethernet-to-USB adapter is sound; check online for its specifications to understand the latency it might add. Although it uses a different data path, it still contributes to overall delay. Another tip is to set up a dedicated network for VR Desktop, using a second Ethernet card connected directly to your wireless router, without any intermediate switches or connections. Let me know if you need further guidance. I’m open to exploring similar configurations myself.
I don't agree with that approach. It increases the distance WiFi needs to travel and adds USB overheads compared to placing the router closer to the headset. A more efficient setup would involve positioning a second router near the headset in Access Point mode, switching it to 5GHz with a different channel and SSID from the main router. This way, you keep most of the wired connection for lower latency. If the second router lacks Access Point capabilities, disable its DHCP service and connect a LAN port to another router's LAN. Remember, without manual static IP configuration, you'll lose access to the network once DHCP is turned off.
Here’s a revised version of your message:
You’ve shared how both routers are configured with your headset. One is connected via Ethernet to the internet through a switch, then to your PC, while the other uses a USB cable and an Ethernet adapter for internet access. You haven’t confirmed if each router operates on separate channels, though both have 2.4 and 5GHz bands with different names. This helps you know that only the headset connects to the 5GHz band on the router, which links to the PC via USB. In terms of latency, both appear similar at around 5-8ms, but the one connected through the switch can reach up to 20ms, which feels slower and adds extra delays. Your WiFi performance shows speeds over 300mbps from your phone to the router, suggesting interference from nearby sources. You suspect the external connections might be limiting performance, though you’re unsure why. I think testing the direct Ethernet link between your PC and a router could clarify this, especially considering other signals in your home. Thank you for the suggestions!
The issue with WiFi speeds comes from two factors: the number of MIMO streams a device or router can manage and the channel width. Devices with phones (like headsets) typically handle 2x2 MIMO and a 40MHz channel, which can reach up to 80MHz. For instance, my Galaxy S10 delivers about 625Mbit peak with 2x2 MIMO at 80MHz. Lower channel widths might reduce latency since less interference causes fewer packet losses. Adjusting the router to a 20MHz channel could help lower latency spikes. Although streaming games via Steam at home isn’t perfectly stable, it still experiences interruptions. This suggests WiFi isn’t ideal for VR, which would likely need a specialized protocol. In comparison, the Wii U Gamepad video feed never had glitches unless both WiFi and channel were maxed out, due to its unique setup.
The headset supports 80Mhz, but I plan to test it at 40/20 to observe the results. I’ll also experiment with different router channels. For VR, Virtual Desktop seems functional when there are no issues. I’ve played many hours with only minor spikes (a few milliseconds) and stable latency, achieving consistent FPS and picture quality similar to the cable connection. That said, another wireless option might be preferable. If you join the Virtual Desktop Discord community, you’ll notice frequent user-reported problems. It’s tough for developers since many factors—like Wi-Fi settings—can affect performance. My current configuration works, but I might just need to leave it alone. A few more checks would be helpful first.
I posted the below, however edit: I spoke too soon, and in the typical way it was fine, and then I posted saying it was fine, then I could only go up to 140mbps - not 150mbps. Its weird as my phone, on 5GHz and testing wifi speed shows in excess of 300mbps wifi speed, then the Quest 2 which actually has wifi 6, theoretical speed of up to 1200mbps (whereas my phones theoretical speed is lower) varies and this evening could only get 140mbps in the app virtual desktop. This was more than enough - and the game was still stable, but I just can't understand it. Also there are no apps and no way I can figure out to test the wifi speed on the Quest 2. I am almost convinced it is something to do with the app Virtual desktop, rather than my setup. I forgot to mention when I use the same cables and test speed with the PC plugged directly into my headset, it can do 2.2gbps. So only cable difference trying wirelessly is the 1gbps port and 1gbps adapter. I would think these wouldn't cause the reduction down to 140mbps. Ah well Thanks all for your help - I disabled the 2.4ghz on my wifi 6 router, I did a channel search on both routers and it has optimised the channels so less clashing. I've ensured that I am on the AC/AX bands on my wifi 6 (which I already was). I have left it on 80MHz for the moment. For the moment that seems to have shown on the application that I can now reach the 150mbps maximum for the app, and it hasn't shown any dips in this availability yet. I haven't gone up to that, but I have now increased it to 100mbps, and am monitoring it to see whether my available speed drops below that and so far it hasn't (before it would dip down to near 80mbps which is why I left it there). I'm getting 1ms additional latency from going from 80 to 100mbps, it is incredibly smooth using the quest 2 now with my PC wirelessly. Have graphics settings high and its all stable. Thanks all!