Best WiFi Settings

Get the lowest latency and best streaming quality from Ethereal Planes with these WiFi optimization tips.

Quick Recommendations

  • Use 5GHz band (not 2.4GHz)
  • WiFi 6 (802.11ax) recommended for best performance
  • Router in the same room as your Quest
  • Wired Ethernet from your PC/Mac to the router
  • Close bandwidth-heavy apps on other devices

5GHz vs 2.4GHz

2.4GHz

  • Higher latency — not ideal for VR streaming
  • More interference from other devices
  • Lower bandwidth throughput
  • Better range through walls

5GHz (Recommended)

  • Lower latency — ideal for VR streaming
  • Less interference from nearby networks
  • Higher bandwidth throughput
  • Shorter range — keep router nearby

Tip: Always use 5GHz for VR streaming. The higher bandwidth and lower latency are essential for a smooth Quest remote desktop experience. 2.4GHz has better range but introduces too much latency for real-time streaming.

WiFi 6 Benefits

WiFi 6 (802.11ax) offers meaningful improvements for VR streaming: lower latency, better handling of multiple devices on the same network, and improved overall throughput. If your router and Quest both support WiFi 6, you'll get the best possible experience.

That said, WiFi 6 is not required. WiFi 5 (802.11ac) on a 5GHz band works well for most setups. You'll still get low latency and smooth streaming as long as your network isn't congested.

WiFi 6 is most helpful when you have multiple devices on your network — it handles concurrent connections more efficiently, so your Quest stream won't suffer as much when other devices are active.

Router Placement

Where you place your router has a significant impact on streaming quality. For the best experience:

  • Same room as your Quest headset — 5GHz signal drops off quickly through walls
  • Clear line of sight between the router and your play area
  • Away from other electronics — microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and other WiFi routers cause interference
  • Elevate the router if possible — placing it on a shelf or desk improves signal coverage

Tip: If your router is in another room and you can't move it, consider a dedicated WiFi 6 access point in your VR space. A wired access point will give you much better results than a mesh extender.

Ethereal Host Settings

Once your WiFi is optimized, fine-tune these settings in the Ethereal Host app for the best results:

  • Bitrate: Start with the default setting. If you see visual artifacts or pixelation, lower the bitrate. If your network handles it well, you can try increasing it for sharper quality
  • CAS Sharpening: Enable for improved text clarity, especially useful for coding and document work. Find it under Host > Video Quality
  • VSync: Enable for smoother frame pacing. This reduces screen tearing and provides a more comfortable viewing experience

Troubleshooting Latency

If you're experiencing high latency or laggy streaming, work through these steps to reduce latency on your Quest remote desktop:

  • Check your WiFi band — make sure you're connected to 5GHz, not 2.4GHz. Many routers use the same network name for both bands
  • Close other streaming apps — Netflix, YouTube, Twitch, and other video services consume significant bandwidth
  • Wire your PC/Mac to the router via Ethernet — wireless on both ends doubles your latency
  • Restart your router if latency suddenly increases — this clears network buffers and resets connections
  • Check for firmware updates on your router — manufacturers regularly release updates that improve WiFi performance and stability

Tip: The single biggest improvement most users can make is wiring their PC to the router with an Ethernet cable. This eliminates one wireless hop and dramatically reduces latency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What WiFi do I need for Ethereal Planes?

You need a 5GHz WiFi network at minimum. WiFi 6 (802.11ax) is recommended for the best performance, but WiFi 5 (802.11ac) on 5GHz works well for most users. A 2.4GHz connection will technically work, but you'll experience noticeably higher latency and potential stuttering during streaming.

Why is my streaming laggy?

The most common causes of laggy streaming are: being connected to the 2.4GHz band instead of 5GHz, your router being too far from your Quest headset, other devices on your network consuming bandwidth (streaming video, large downloads), and your PC not being wired to the router via Ethernet. Address these one at a time — most users see a significant improvement after fixing just one.

Does WiFi 6 make a difference?

Yes, WiFi 6 does make a difference — but WiFi 5 (5GHz) works well for most users. WiFi 6 provides lower latency and better throughput, and it's especially helpful when multiple devices are on the same network. If you're the only one on your WiFi and your router is nearby, you may not notice a major difference. But if you share your network with other people or devices, WiFi 6 helps ensure your Quest stream stays smooth.

Still having issues?

Join our Discord community for real-time help, or check out our getting started guide.