Prevent network connection?

Pixel 6, Chrome browser, Android 16 I want to connect to a local web server and maintain the connection until the time of my choosing. The webserver is a ESP32 controller in a small robotic car. My phone is normally connected to my home network. I click on the webserver from the list of availables and log-on. Then I'm constantly fighting the network that was disconnected when I selected the webserver. Somehow after a few seconds or minutes the webserver is disconnected and the home network connects. How can I prevent that from happening?