esp-idf: ESP32 cannot connect to TPLink TL-WA855RE Wifi Extender (IDFGH-1853)

Environment

• Development Kit: [ESP32-Wrover-Kit|ESP32-DevKitC| Custom
• Module or chip used: [ESP32-WROOM-32|ESP32-WROOM-32D|ESP32-WROOM-32U|ESP32-WROVER|ESP32-WROVER-I|ESP32-WROVER-B|ESP32-WROVER-IB|ESP32-SOLO-1|ESP32-PICO-D4|ESP32]
• IDF version (run git describe --tags to find it): // AmazonFreeRTOS 2019-6.00
• Build System: CMAke
• Compiler version (run xtensa-esp32-elf-gcc --version to find it): // (crosstool-NG crosstool-ng-1.22.0-80-g6c4433a) 5.2.0
• Operating System: macOS
• Power Supply: external 5V

Problem Description

ESP32 cannot connect to TPLink TL-WA855RE Wifi Extender

Steps to repropduce

1. Provision the ESP32 to connect to an AP without the TP-Link powered on.
2. Configure the TPlink to extend the above network with the same SSID and Password and power on
3. Reboot the ESP32 - it will fail to connect
4. Remove the tplink from power
5. Reboot the ESP32 it will connect
6. Power on the TPlink extender
7. Confirm that other devices in proximity to the extender can join the network.