Boosting Virtual Desktop Performance with Wi-Fi 6

Enhancing VR Gaming with Wi-Fi 6 and Traditional Routers

In the realm of virtual reality (VR), seamless connectivity and low latency are crucial for an immersive experience. Recent advancements in networking technology, such as the introduction of Wi-Fi 6, have opened new possibilities for gamers. This analysis dives deep into the performance differences between using a Wi-Fi 6 card and a traditional router in a VR setup, specifically through the lens of Virtual Desktop applications.

The Setup Challenge

The initial setup involved comparing a traditional 5 GHz non-Wi-Fi 6 router placed under a table, far from the gaming PC, against a newly installed Wi-Fi 6 card. The experiment began by repositioning the router to sit next to the Wi-Fi 6 antenna, ensuring both had equal footing in terms of physical proximity to the source of internet connection.

Testing Methodology

The testing phase involved benchmarking two different setups using popular VR games like Robo Recall, Lone Echo, Half-Life Alex, and The Walking Dead Saints and Sinners. These games were chosen due to their varying demands on system resources and network stability.

• Robo Recall: Showed improved performance on both setups compared to earlier tests with other games. It was noted that while latency was generally below 50 ms for both setups, occasional spikes were observed with the traditional router.

• Lone Echo: Demonstrated that both setups could handle zero-gravity environments well, with latencies mostly in the 40 ms range. However, minor spikes were observed which could affect gameplay smoothness.

• Half-Life Alex: This game presented challenges due to its high-resolution demands causing noticeable jitters during gameplay. This issue persisted across both networking setups suggesting limitations beyond just network type.

• The Walking Dead Saints and Sinners: Provided consistent performance at around 40 ms latency and 90 fps under both configurations. This game did not exhibit any jitter regardless of network setup.

Insights from Real-Time Use

Recording these sessions on Quest 2 added some milliseconds to overall latency but provided valuable insights. It became evident that while there is no significant difference in latency between using a Wi-Fi 5 router or a Wi-Fi 6 card when placed optimally next to each other; positioning can drastically influence performance outcomes.

Practical Recommendations

For users experiencing crowded networks or those whose gaming setup is far from their routers, investing in a Wi-Fi 6 card might be beneficial. However, if one can manage optimal placement of their existing router without interference from other devices or structural impediments, then upgrading might not offer substantial benefits over current equipment.

For those considering an upgrade or new installation, it's suggested to try out more economically priced Wi-Fi 6 cards as they might offer a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality or performance.

In conclusion, while both technologies provide competent solutions for playing PCVR via Virtual Desktops under right conditions; choosing between them should consider personal usage patterns including distance from router and network traffic levels.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/iAleyldEZxA?si=1ZpR6w0cwi7B38V7