Devices insist on connecting to Router rather than Wifi Point

[Bobh63]

I had to choose a Platform to categorize this post, however this applies to Devices running Android, Windows, and ChromeOS.

We have a package Nest Wifi Router and Point. The Router is upstairs and the Point is downstairs. Most devices insist on connecting to the Router rather than the Point, even if the device is right next to the Point downstairs. Example: I can look at the devices on the network right now and see 15 devices, only 1 is connected to the Point downstairs and the rest are connected to the Router upstairs. Of the 15 on the network, about 6 are actually located downstairs and within 30 feet from the Point.

Some of the devices that are downstairs will have connection issues. This is usually getting an initial connection when the device is turned on. After the initial connect they will maintain the connection, but don't reboot that computer. You can try and try for ever and they won't connect even when right next to the Point downstairs. However, you can walk upstairs and they will connect to the Router as seen in the Home app.

I have run the Mesh test from the Home app and all is well. Tested network speed/stability (200 Mb down) and all is well. I have rebooted Router and Point all is well. The Home app does not see any problem. The Point response well to voice and reports strong connection.

So, what is going on? Why can I be in the far reaches of my downstairs with the Point < 30 feet away and my device is insisting on connecting to the Router that is upstairs and easily double the distance away in a straight line through the ceiling. Now I know 60 is not far for Wifi. I thought this was the whole selling point of a Mesh? The Point would extend the signal and devices would connect to the closes point? Why won't some devices downstairs connect until I get them closer to the Router upstairs?

Thank you for any help.

[MichaelP]

Hello @Bobh63 

WiFi devices decide which access point to connect to. Nest WiFi does provide devices with some extra information they can use to make better decisions, but not all WiFi devices support the standards used to do that. Those devices are on their own to make those decisions, and some are more conservative than others. So, they can end up getting "stuck" to an access point that still works, even when another access point is closer. You may be able to get them to connect to the closer access point by disabling their WiFi interface briefly, or by rebooting them if that's not possible. However, there are a few devices that may still continue to talk to the more distant access point even after a reboot. Unfortunately, there may not be much you can do about them.

[EdwardT]

Hi folks,

@MichaelP, as always, thanks for helping out — appreciate it!

@Bobh63, how's it going with your Google Nest WiFi? Still need our help?

Thanks,

Edward

[EdwardT]

Hi Bobh63,

It's me again, I wanted to check back in to see if you have other questions and concerns. Feel free to let me know if you do. 

Thanks,

Edward

[EdwardT]

Hi Bobh63,

Just checking in to make sure that you saw our response. Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns as I will be locking this in 24 hours.

Thanks,

Edward