I have embarked on an exploration journey to unlock the potential of GL.iNet routers in the context of PCVR (PC Virtual Reality) streaming, especially while on the move. I’ve acquired two of their products, the Beryl AX (GL-MT3000) and the Opal (GL-SFT1200), and have stumbled upon some intriguing findings through my tests. Despite the Opal being a less robust model with AC connectivity at 866Mbit/s and a modest processor, it surprisingly outperformed the more capable Beryl AX with AX connectivity at 1200Mbit/s in delivering a smoother PCVR experience.
The primary intent behind this endeavor is to create a highly portable PCVR setup while traveling, utilizing a notebook and a GL.iNet router. A crucial aspect of this setup is the direct Ethernet connection from the notebook to the router’s LAN port, ensuring a stable, low-latency link crucial for PCVR streaming. Additionally, the router is powered directly from the notebook’s USB port, which, in my opinion, meets the router’s power requirements effectively, forming an excellent mobile setup for engaging in PCVR.
As a bonus, the setup also allows for tethering a mobile phone via USB to the router, enabling internet access in any setting, which is a fantastic feature for on-the-go connectivity.
I am extending an invitation to our vibrant community, particularly the adept developers at GL.iNet, to contribute to a “Mega Thread”. The aspiration is to amass a comprehensive database reflecting the real-world performance of GL.iNet routers in various PCVR streaming scenarios.
I am committed to sharing technical data from rigorous testing, alongside video documentation that displays latency metrics during different stages of the streaming process via Virtual Desktop. The overarching goal is not only to accumulate a rich repository of user experiences but also to spark discussions that could steer towards optimizing our setups for an enhanced PCVR streaming experience.
Here’s a proposed template for sharing your insights:
Router Model: (e.g., Beryl AX (GL-MT3000), Opal (GL-SFT1200), etc.)
PC Specifications: (e.g., Processor, GPU, RAM, etc.)
VR Headset: (e.g., Meta Quest 2, Pico 4, etc.)
Streaming Application: (e.g., Airlink, Virtual Desktop, etc.)
Wi-Fi Connectivity: (e.g., AX at 1200Mbit/s, AC at 866Mbit/s, etc.)
Average Latency (Networking): (e.g., 20ms, 30ms, etc.)
Video Documentation: (Link to video showcasing the streaming process and latency monitoring)
Additional Observations: (Any other relevant information or peculiar findings during your testing)
My Experience:
Router Model: Beryl AX (GL-MT3000)
PC Specifications: Dell Alienware Notebook with a mobile 3070 GPU, 16GB RAM, 6-core i7
VR Headset: Meta Quest 2
Streaming Application: Virtual Desktop
Wi-Fi Connectivity: AX at 1200Mbit/s
Average Latency (Networking): 5ms
Video footage:
Additional Observations: The Beryl AX has exhibited stable performance during my gaming sessions, even at a distance of 5 meters with a clear line of sight. Currently, I am utilizing the firmware version 4.5 snapshot, as previous firmware versions were causing the router to shut down after a few minutes of gameplay. I am in the midst of experimenting with both enabled and disabled network hardware acceleration, although no significant differences have been observed thus far. My setup involves exclusively connecting my Quest to the 5GHz network, which is segregated from other networks. The router operates at maximum power, leveraging the AX bandwidth of 160MHz to ensure a seamless gaming experience.
Soon I’ll post results from my OPAL router.
I am thrilled at the prospect of unraveling the nuances of PCVR streaming with GL.iNet routers alongside you all. Your participation and technical contributions will be instrumental in illuminating the path towards optimized PCVR streaming solutions.
Looking forward to a riveting discussion and a treasure trove of insights!
