Configuring a node (410, A-I, L-O) of a synchronization network, involves determining information about synchronization sources of a plurality of synchronization trails for passing synchronization information from the synchronization source (A, L, O, PRC) to the node to provide a synchronization reference. After determining automatically (210, 230, 330, 335, 340) synchronization transmission characteristics of trails (EF, FG, GH, HM, MN, OF, FI, IH) which use packet-based communication, the trails are compared automatically (240, 370), using their source information and their synchronization transmission characteristics, for selecting which of these trails to use for providing the synchronization reference for the node (N). Compared to selections made based on source alone, using the synchronization transmission characteristics of the packet based parts can enable a better choice of trail, and can enable comparison with synchronous type trails, and so enable hybrid synchronization networks to be configured and maintained.