Various example embodiments are disclosed relating to sending and processing messages in relay networks. In an example embodiment, a first unicast message indicating a plurality of wireless nodes included in a communication path between a base station and a path endpoint node in a wireless network may be received at a first receiving node, wherein the first unicast message may be received from a sending wireless node located neighboring to the first receiving node in the communication path. The first unicast message may be processed at the first receiving node. A second message may be sent based on a success/failure status of the processing from the first receiving node to a second receiving node included in the communication path.