---
date-created: 2026-10-20 17:45
date-modified: 2026-10-20 17:52
---
# SteamVR to Meta Quest 3 design tree

## Goal

Stream PCVR from Zeus to a Meta Quest 3.

The design must produce a repeatable and diagnosable SteamVR session.

## Observed facts

- Zeus runs NixOS with a CachyOS kernel.
- Zeus uses an AMD Radeon RX 9070-series GPU with the `amdgpu` driver.
- Zeus runs Hyprland on Wayland.
- Zeus has Steam and Gamescope configured.
- SteamVR 2.17.10 is installed.
- SteamVR includes Valve's Linux `vrlink` driver.
- A previous `vrlink` session detected the Quest 3 and its Touch controllers.
- That session selected 90 Hz from the Quest's 72, 80, 90, and 120 Hz modes.
- SteamVR setup lacks `cap_sys_nice` on `vrcompositor-launcher`.
- NixOS can declare host packages, permissions, services, and diagnostics.
- Steam owns the Quest pairing and SteamVR user settings.
- Zeus connects by Ethernet at `10.23.50.221`.
- The local Wi-Fi scan finds the `Tracion` 5 GHz network at 5220 MHz.
- The scan reports a 1170 Mbit/s link rate.
- The operator has no external tracked devices.

## Decision tree

- **D1: Host platform commitment** — Settled: Linux-native on the current NixOS installation.
  - Linux-native on the current NixOS installation.
    - **D2: Transport** — Blocked by D1
      - Wireless LAN. — Settled: primary transport.
        - **D3: Streaming stack** — Settled: SteamVR with its built-in VRLink driver.
          - SteamVR with its built-in VRLink driver.
            - **D3a: SteamVR acceptance criteria** — Settled: reliable session test.
              - Run a SteamVR game for 30 minutes at 90 Hz.
              - Verify visuals, audio, and Touch controllers.
              - Verify one reconnect.
          - ALVR only after SteamVR fails the agreed acceptance criteria.
        - **D4: Wi-Fi topology** — Settled: keep the current access point.
          - Keep the current access point.
          - Add a dedicated access point.
          - Use a direct Wi-Fi link.
        - **D5: Session performance target** — Settled: selectable refresh-rate profiles.
          - Selectable refresh-rate profiles.
            - **D5a: Default refresh rate** — Settled: 90 Hz.
            - **D5b: Included refresh rates** — Settled: 72, 80, 90, and 120 Hz.
        - **D6: Network isolation** — Settled: existing trusted LAN.
          - Existing trusted LAN.
          - Dedicated VR VLAN or SSID.
        - **D7: Controller and tracking scope** — Settled: Quest Touch controllers only.
          - Quest Touch controllers only.
          - Also support external tracked devices.
        - **D8: Launch workflow** — Settled: automatic service and headset connection.
          - Start SteamVR when Steam Link connects from the Quest.
        - **D9: Diagnostics and recovery** — Settled: capture health checks and logs.
          - Capture SteamVR logs and health checks.
          - Recover failed sessions manually.
      - USB tether.
        - **D10: USB streaming stack** — Blocked by D2
          - ALVR over USB.
          - Meta Quest Link through a Windows installation.
        - **D11: USB role** — Blocked by D2
          - Primary transport.
          - Fallback transport.
      - Both wireless LAN and USB tether.
        - **D12: Primary transport** — Blocked by D2
        - **D13: Fallback behavior** — Blocked by D12
    - **D14: System integration** — Settled: hybrid configuration.
      - NixOS manages system integration.
      - Steam manages Quest pairing and user settings.
  - Dual-boot or replace NixOS with Windows.
    - **D15: Windows streaming stack** — Blocked by D1
      - Steam Link.
      - Virtual Desktop.
      - Meta Quest Link or Air Link.
      - ALVR.
    - **D16: Windows installation scope** — Blocked by D1
      - Dedicated VR installation.
      - General-use Windows installation.
    - **D2: Transport** — Blocked by D1
  - Keep NixOS and add a separate Windows VR host.
    - **D17: Host placement** — Blocked by D1
    - **D15: Windows streaming stack** — Blocked by D17
    - **D2: Transport** — Blocked by D17

## Frontier

None.

## Settled decisions

- **D1: Host platform commitment** — Linux-native on the current NixOS installation.
- **D2: Transport** — Wireless LAN as the primary transport.
- **D4: Wi-Fi topology** — Keep the current access point.
- **D5: Session performance target** — Selectable profiles at 72, 80, 90, and 120 Hz.
- **D5a: Default refresh rate** — 90 Hz.
- **D5b: Included refresh rates** — 72, 80, 90, and 120 Hz.
- **D6: Network isolation** — Existing trusted LAN.
- **D7: Controller and tracking scope** — Quest Touch controllers only.
- **D3: Streaming stack** — SteamVR with its built-in VRLink driver.
- **D3a: SteamVR acceptance criteria** — 30-minute session at 90 Hz, with visuals, audio, Touch controllers, and one reconnect.
- **D8: Launch workflow** — Start SteamVR when Steam Link connects from the Quest.
- **D9: Diagnostics and recovery** — Capture health checks and logs. Recover failed sessions manually.
- **D14: System integration** — NixOS manages system integration. Steam manages Quest pairing and user settings.