A first network device can implement functionality to establish a proximity-based wireless connection with a second network device. It can be determined whether the second network device is within a threshold detection distance from the first network device based on a signal strength associated with RF signals received from the second network device or based on detecting RF saturation at the first network device. Device credentials associated with the first network device can be transmitted to the second network device at a reduced transmit power level in response to determining that the second network device is within the threshold detection distance from the first network device. A communication link can be established between the first network device and the second network device based, at least in part, on the device credentials associated with the first network device and device credentials received from the second network device.