Changing device connection node

Hello @timsdown, thanks for reaching out for help on our forums! Once devices join your home WiFi network, they will automatically connect to the best WiFi access point, whether that is your gateway or Pods. You can easily see if a device is connected to your gateway or Pod by opening the Xfinity app, navigating to Connect and scrolling down to the Devices section. The connection type is listed under the device name.

Short version:  Try restarting/power cycling the offending device.

There isn't a way to force a device to connect to a specific pod or a specific WiFi radio in general unless they have different SSIDs.

Some devices are smarter than others about connecting to the "correct" WiFi radio.  Which radio a device connects to is left up to the device.  The network can send hints, but the device has to use them.  The ability of network gear to send hints is generally called "fast roaming" support.  Some devices support it, some don't.  Same with network gear.  Mesh kits and commercial access points generally do, though you often need a separate controller with commercial access points.  I would guess XFi pods support it, but I couldn't find anything definitive.

Generally client devices will connect to the best signal.  It's getting them to switch after they are connected that you see the difference.  Phones and laptops will generally support fast roaming and switch fairly quickly if the WiFi network supports it.  Even without fast roaming support on the network they'll generally switch.  It just takes longer.  However, some devices are just plain stupid, like my printer.  It will not switch unless it gets disconnected.  I have two access points, one in my office where the printer is and another at the other end of the house in the living room.  If I have a power outage and the living room access point happens to come back up first the printer will connect to it and stay connected to it until I power cycle the printer or reset the living room access point.