One or more elements of a communication system receives a first indicator that a first wireless device is within a first coverage area of a first access node and is also within a second coverage area of a second access node. The first access node and the second access node are both configured to provide a multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) operating mode. The communication system determines a first number of wireless devices attached to the first access node that are utilizing the MU-MIMO operating mode. The communication system identifies the first wireless devices as being configured as a relay node. The communication system, based on the first number meeting a first threshold, instructs the first wireless device to attach to the second access node.