diff --git a/nixos/tests/corerad.nix b/nixos/tests/corerad.nix
index b6f5d7fc6f75..dd2bec794a1a 100644
--- a/nixos/tests/corerad.nix
+++ b/nixos/tests/corerad.nix
@@ -56,6 +56,8 @@ import ./make-test-python.nix (
 
       with subtest("Wait for CoreRAD and network ready"):
           # Ensure networking is online and CoreRAD is ready.
+          router.systemctl("start network-online.target")
+          client.systemctl("start network-online.target")
           router.wait_for_unit("network-online.target")
           client.wait_for_unit("network-online.target")
           router.wait_for_unit("corerad.service")