Devices keep connecting to mesh extender (EX8000) rather than the router directly (RAX48)

Question

I have my router (RAX48 — Nighthawk AX6 6-Stream AX5200 WiFi 6 Router) upstairs in my home and have placed a wifi extender (AC3000 Desktop Extender (EX8000)) downstairs for better coverage.&nbsp; The extender is in mesh mode so that there is only one network, but many devices upstairs will connect to the downstairs extender (noticed because of slower speeds and seen on the app).&nbsp; Is there a way to give priority to the router?&nbsp; Do I have to run two separate network ID's?&nbsp; Any advise is appreciated.&nbsp;

microchip8 · Answer

You cannot create a real Mesh network from 2 normal router+extender. If you want that, you should go for an Orbi.

plemans · Answer

If its setup in mesh mode, its actually your phone/tablet/device that determines which to connect to.&nbsp;
You could try decreasing the EX8000 broadcast power or moving it further away to see if it'd help.&nbsp;
Or you could set it with a separate ssid so you can control which to connect to.&nbsp;

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Devices keep connecting to mesh extender (EX8000) rather than the router directly (RAX48)

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