After toying extensively with both Airlink and VD, I found Airlink right now has a noticeably better image quality and less noticeable input lag at the same settings, on the same wireless infraestructure. Airlink just works if you have a decent WiFi 5 wireless network dedicated to PCVR, no need to spend a lot of money on a WiFi 6 router and extender. I have midrange WiFi equipment and it was plug and play. Virtual Desktop is nice to have tough for other reasons, but Airlink is better in my experience as it is right now.
Wifi 5 is still decent, but its kinda dated when you understand how wifi 6 is better at handling connected devices. Too many devices connected to 5 and it creates a patchy experience for everyone in the house. Though not very noticable to the people outside, the VR stream from a pc is pretty demanding so any little thing that happens can trigger lag spikes, due to 5's inefficiency. I don't have much connected and I notice this, with a fairly good 5 router, if my phone gets notifications or I'm getting messages. Most of the time it was fine, but I upgraded, because it's the future anyway.
I have used airlink & VD and usually I use VD for steam game playing although airlink works fine for me as well. I love the video streaming that VD has, it is far & away the best way to stream videos from the PC.
@JackBauer137 I found out why it was because I had an old computer that was made from back in 2008 but we realized it would somehow manage to run it still but yeah for some stupid reason that wire didn't wanna cooperate so we got a new computer and I tried it again, but this time it actually worked how I imagined and wanted, so I think that was why lol, but I really so badly wanted to try it out from back then lmao.
What I’ve come to realize over the course of like 20 plus hours of troubleshooting and trying all different types of settings… nothing is a one size fits all for getting the best quality for VR. There’s wayyyyyy too many variables that can cause high latency and poor quality. Specifically routers, router modem combos, pc specs, the vr headset you’re using, how the computer is connected to the network, and then individual settings like codec and mbps. It’s entirely anecdotal and just cause one person says it works for them, DOES NOT MEAN it will work for you. Welcome to VR PC gaming.
Just bought VD to give it a go as I've been using Airlink since i got my Quest 2. I don't have the beefiest PC but I generally find my 2700 @ 3.9ghz, 32gb ram and 1080ti can quite happily VR. I have noticed with Airlink there have been some stuttering when playing Synth Riders which i bought on Steam. Hopefully using VD i can tweak it a bit more so it behaves a little better. Going to give these tips a go as well. I am using a Mesh (others have said to not use the quest on it) but mine is AC 1200 so should be enough, Plus i'm right next to my PC (which is wired to the node).
I'm using the Amplifi Alien router and mesh point. Not only does it run super fast it also runs the other 22 device's I have. The oculus quest 2 is Awesome.
if u are suffering of lags, just reduce the gpu option on streaming... I have an 3070ti and even selecting the 3070 option it sometimes lags in some games Like.. havin 10fps on the game, and when u pause the game, it's fine again.. but returns to 10fps once u get in game Maybe it's because I'm at 120fps and the options consider using 90fps instead I'll do some tests to choose between 120fps and medium quality or 90fps but high quality
I can only assume that I am extremely lucky because I only have a 3070 and a good but not amazing system and have not seen any lag or stutter on Virtual desktop with default settings despite having a V5 router in a different room with a mirror mostly blocking it :-) Airlink on the other hand is unplayable. Even the SteamVR environment tears and distorts and lstutters horribly so running a game is a waste of time.
I've been having issues with airlink. I should probably bite the bullet and buy VD. I have a 3080 and getting 500 mpbs hardwired to my pc. Netgear nighthawk router meeting all airlinks recommended settings to max, and i have yet to successfully play steam VR. I get frozen screen, artifacting, and crashing. it's horrible. only had my quest a week, so i havent tried VD yet.
question, I have a netgear R7200 and i'm wondering if it would be good enough to stream games on Quest 2. It's 802.11AC but has a 5GHZ connection. I currently have a RIFT CV1 and wanted to upgrade to a quest 2 but i'm trying to figure out if I need to plan on buying a new router as well? The room that I will be using the quest 2 in MOST, is the same room as the router and gaming PC, so it's not like it's going to be far away from the router
Without a doubt. It’s capable of speeds up to 800mbs so plenty of bandwidth. It’s wifi 5 not 6 so won’t be the lowest latency but if I’m honest the difference gained by wifi 6 is very small. You will have a decent experience if you set it up properly.
@@RushReality awesome! thank you very much. Will I need a link cable? Will I be able to use virtual desktop to do anything that the link cable would do? I mainly watch videos, or play around on the desktop via virtual desktop. I don't want to spend money on the link cable if i'm not going to need it. Will the cable I have now for the CV1 work on the quest 2? I doubt it, but figured I would ask. Also, since your familiar with the quest 2.. how much better VISUALLY is the quest 2 compared to RIFT CV1? I just can't stand the blurryness of the CV1 even videos that are 4K definition have blur.. I have been told the quest 2 is MUCH crisper
No link cable needed if your looking to play wirelessly just follow the steps in the video. Link cable is another route that wouldn’t be cabled and woudnt utilise your internet. There isn’t much difference between the two except lower latency on the link cable but needing to deal with the cable draping over your shoulder. The Quest 2 is an enormous visual upgrade over the CV1 with much clearer picture. The screen door effect is much lower. Only real advantages of the CV1 is the colour clarity and deep blacks provided by the Oled screen.
@@RushReality yea, that is what I was told.. about the blacks being richer on the CV1. Thank you for the information and quick replies, I really appreciate it.
Changing the channel on the router is only going to help you if your router is not good enough to auto select the best channel, it could also make it worse if someone hops on your private channel after you have set it manually. Just something to keep in mind if you have a router that’s not trash.
What if I can't have an acces to the admin page by the address printed on the router's box??? And another problem appears: when I already connected to the wifi, the ethernet connection has wrong ip addresses, and you could never get to the admin page unless you understand ip addressing. I would appreciate a video about it!
I got VD to see if I could get any improvement over airlink but for some reason it's just not as clear. I tested on half life opening seen and can run at max with airlink but its just not as crisp on VD. Any idea what I could be doing wrong?
You need to MENTION THAT you do NOT need an extender if your router and PC are in the same room. Extenders will completely dilute your network unless you actually need to extend your wifi
So I went ahead and bought the Netgear extender you show here. I set everything up, but when I plug my PC in via Ethernet, it says “Connected, No Internet.” The WiFi works, it’s strangely just the Ethernet that doesn’t. Am I missing something?
bro what games are u playing?? i have a rlly good setup but thheres no way i can play at 120hz man it makes the games unplayeble lol, also ultra settings is crazy
Wired for sims and Wireless for everything else. The quest wireless pcvr option is the main reason I have been holding off on buying another headset. Hopefully we get something with better specs this year. Just one question.. Do you set your router as an Access point with your Internet provider's router or is it set as a separate router or did you maybe remove your isp's router all together? I can't connect to multiplayer in Contractors and I'm trying to figure out why..
I changed the IPS router to modem mode and then used the nighthawk router as the the only real router. The extension then just automatically loops in with it. It works well.
Pronouncing Rooter instead of Router is just pinging my nerves mate, but I’m sure it’s just because I’m not used to it. All i can think of is Roto-Rooter 😂. Anyway I have wifi 6 router but it’s from my provider so probably not the best. So its always degrading my image quality. I have to use the cable but also my internet speed seems very inconsistent when live streaming even though every time i test the speed it says a 560mbs… Any ideas?
Haha that’s just my British pronunciation. It shouldn’t matter too much what your total internet speed is it’s more about how your pc and headset are able to communicate via the Router. Ensuring your pc is hardwired to the router and the routers 5hz lane (or 6 ghz if your lucky enough to have one) is available and your connecting to that one is the first key step. There are definitely some advantages to picking up an aftermarket router but the right set up with your ISP gear can work well.
@@RushReality I’ve tried it. Even though my router says wifi 6 i think it’s just not great because my picture gets all muddy. With the cable it’s consistent so i might need an after market. Thanks for the advice!
If you buy an aftermarket router you will switch the router provided by your internet service provider, into modem mode and then that will feed into your new router.
How does wireless compare to the wired gameplay? I use the cable, and its smooth. I think the wireless leaves some video compression artifacts in the display correct?
Wireless does increase the compression for sure. Personally I think it’s worth the trade off to be wire free but I know people who disagree. The link cable is already fairly compressed to work via USB instead of DP/ HDMI and I would love a solution that removes it completely.
It’s different for each web provider. You usually have to connect and then got to a Web page that reads like a long number. Just google “how to login to (you internet provider) internet settings”
Buy a separate router and connect it directly to your pc. This will give you a dedicated WiFi signal to your pc that is used solely for communication between your quest 2 and your pc.
Can’t say I’ve actually got experience running it with windows 11 but I believe they released an update in November that improved performance for windows 11 users quite a bit. So just make sure your on the newest version. If your thinking of purchasing it you can always try to use it and if it fails then lean on the refund policy. But I doubt it will fail.
Hey thanks man. I’ve been using virtual desktop for over a yr now and never changed the enhanced colors setting, after watching your vid I tried switching it off and it has made a world a difference. Great tips
Wireless. Once future routers are on par with ultra-wide band 5G connections, cables will be irrelevant. For now I'll spin freely with some latency lol.
I just wish the Quest 3 was as reliable. It really sucks. The wifi is all over the place. Looks like reprojection all the time. Juddery unstable mess. Meta are useless. Couldn't organize a pi$$ up in a brewery!
Ok, this sounds like it works but I think I have a better idea: Wait till the PSVR2 is released and pay much less while still enjoying high experiences. This is also a great strategy for avoiding all the immaturity found in the PCVR platform. Trust me- when the PSVR2 is released, PC based VR will diminish quickly. After 2 years, it'll have around a 12% or less presence. Gabe Newell also sees what I see. Want proof- Steam Deck(or whatever it being called now). Subscription based PCVR may help a little but at the end of the day it's a subscription- PSVR is not.
PSVR 2 is definitely compelling and I’ll be doing all I can to jump in on day 1, but i do hope it strengthens PCVR rather than diminishes as people will continue to grow curious about what can be achieved through higher and higher specs. The Games from PS should be very though to beat though, if it they invest enough in the platform.
This is a very bold statement in the idea that PSVR will have no competition as a result of its claims, you have to remember that apple and Facebook are heavily into the VR realm now and that’s not even touching on what valve and HTC could be working to stay in the running too, psvr2 sounds awesome but to say it will diminish the pc audience is laughable, Sony itself has even seen an excruciating amount of its users go to either pc or Xbox and as a result we are now seeing Sony exclusive titles being re released for the pc audience BECAUSE it is so large
Whilst the Quest 2 holding the greatest market share, a large amount of that market share is inputted into PCVR. Q2 holds >45% of SteamVR users. My notion is that this scene can be drawn parallel to PC vs Console. PC will always provide higher performance and visual fidelity. Console will be more consumer and price friendly. Both parties have different titles and features. There isn't a real monopoly on platform. To each their own, but I am certain that PSVR2 will not have a rise of that of magnitude. PCVR has dozens of OEMs that belong to it, Q2 streaming, PSVR conversions, Pimax, HTC, etc... for this why SteamVR is a hardware agnostic platform. From my last read regarding the PSVR2, it is wired to a PS5. Which means requiring a PS5 that not everyone has. Q2 is a standalone system for >300USD and is very friendly for first time users. In my eyes it is like a Wii, reaching wide demographics. If the PSVR2 isn't able to work on PC like it's predecessor, the large party of those who want to upgrade from PC will need to enter a new ecosystem, repurchasing their games. PSVR2 is costlier for those with mobility in the VR space, and for new users, especially those who don't possess a PS5. It does look interesting, hopefully it has/gets PCVR support.
@@tugcable8304 common marketing sense??? In order for there to be a “market” there is in definition “competition” your statement assumed that Sony had a hold over the market to the likes we’ve never yet seen for VR. I really don’t get how you could say that and not be called out for it. Example “wait for the next apple iPhone and do more for less plus you’ll skip all the immaturity that revolves around the android market” it makes no sense and just shows a bias towards apple or in your case “PSVR”
