Various methods for determining a configuration of a communications system are provided, including methods for determining system node positions. One example method includes generating a node attribute information segment, and adding the node attribute information segment to an attribute information message at a position within the attribute information message indicative of a position of a node within a series string of communications connections. Some of the methods may be implemented within the context of an asset locating system that analyzes the timing of wireless signals to determine a location of the source of the signal. Related systems and apparatuses are also provided.