Frequently Asked Questions

Wireless Workstation Connect 1.0

LAST UPDATED: Dec. 26, 2025

Common Questions and Known Issues

This section contains frequently asked questions and known issues relating to current and previous releases of Zebra Wireless Workstation Connect (WWC).

For help using WWC or to report an issue, please contact Zebra support.

What is the technology behind WWC?

The WWC solution is built on Miracast, a wireless display specification established by the Wi-Fi Alliance that enables users to "cast" the video and audio of a source device, such as an Android smartphone or tablet, to a compatible receiver connected to a monitor or projector. Often described as "HDMI over Wi-Fi," it eliminates the need for physical cables by creating a direct wireless link for signals carried by HDMI.

How Does Miracast Work?

Miracast requires Wi-Fi to be enabled on sending and receiving devices. It uses the Wi-Fi Direct specification, which establishes an ad-hoc, peer-to-peer (P2P) streaming connection between two compliant devices without the need for a wireless access point (AP) or any additional network infrastructure. The connection is secured via WPA2 encryption and exists independently of any connection the device might have with a wireless LAN, for example to access a corporate network or the internet.

What factors could affect the Miracast streaming experience?

The H.264 encoder of the source device uses a variable bitrate strategy, dynamically adjusting its data rate based on the complexity of the on-screen content being streamed. To maintain a smooth, uninterrupted streaming experience, Zebra recommends considering the following factors:

  • What type of content is being streamed?
    • Static content, such as slides or other non-animated screens and app UIs, can be mirrored with minimal bandwidth usage. For this content, changes to the streamed content are mainly to show cursor movements and new slides or app content.
    • Full-motion content such as animation or video require constant frame-to-frame changes. Such content uses significantly greater bitrate to maintain smooth visuals and prevent audio breakup, particularly for 1080p or greater resolution.
  • How strong is the Wi-Fi signal?
    • The Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) measures how well a device can "hear" the Wi-Fi signal. For an optimal WWC experience, Zebra recommends an RSSI between -50 dBm and -30 dBm for full-motion content, and between -50 dBm and -70 dBm for static content for sending and receiving devices. See next question.
  • Is either of the streaming devices connected to a LAN?
    • If the answer is "yes," then the WWC experience could be affected by Wi-Fi saturation and/or casting overload (see below).

How do I measure the Wi-Fi signal strength (RSSI) of my devices?

There are multiple ways to measure Wi-Fi signal strength on Zebra devices.

1. The Zebra Fusion Status tool measures Wi-Fi signal strength of the current device connection:

  • On the device, go to:
    • Settings > Network & internet > Internet > Network Preferences > Additional Settings > Wireless Logs > Fusion Status*

2. To display RSSI for Wi-Fi networks currently within range:

  • Enable Developer Mode on the device. Then go to:
  • Settings > System > Developer options > Enable Wi-Fi Verbose Logging. Then go to:
  • Settings > Network & internet > Internet to view RSSI values for available APs

3. Licensed users of Zebra DNA Cloud can analyze Wi-Fi and WWAN signal strength using Wireless Insights.

* Exact path might vary on some devices.

What is Wi-Fi saturation and how does it impact Miracast performance?

Wi-Fi saturation or congestion occurs when too many devices compete for the same slice of wireless spectrum. A Miracast source device is capable of operating in two modes simultaneously, a feature known as concurrency:

  • Infrastructure Mode allows it to link with an access point (AP) for connection to a LAN and/or the internet.
  • Wi-Fi Direct (P2P) Mode creates a separate link with the receiver for sending rendered video and audio streams to that device (also referred to as a "Sink").

Since the streaming data does not go through the AP, delays seen in P2P casting are not caused by overloading the Wi-Fi infrastructure directly. However, Wi-Fi Direct signals can create a type of "crosstalk" that occurs when two or more radio transmitters communicate over the same channel. This interference can be exacerbated when multiple devices are casting over a common channel, which can lead to over-saturation. By managing co-channel interference, significant improvements in network throughput can be achieved.

How can the WWC experience be optimized?

To ensure the best possible experience when using Zebra Wireless Workstation Connect, Zebra recommends optimizing the following factors to the greatest extent possible:

  • High frequency:
    • Use 5GHz or 6GHz networks whenever possible.
    • If the 2.4GHz band is required, set access points for non-overlapping channels 1, 6 or 11.
  • Low saturation:
    • Disconnect the sending device from the LAN and/or internet, if possible.
    • If a LAN/internet connection is required, use the AP with the greatest signal strength.
  • Close proximity:
    • Keep sending and receiving devices as close as possible, preferably within 10-15 feet.
    • Minimize walls, furniture and other physical obstructions between the devices.
    • If possible, keep sending unit within sight of receiver and minimize its movement, which can trigger roaming and frame loss.

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