Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A base station may concurrently configure repeaters in a wireless communications system via multicast control messaging. The base station may identify a quantity of repeaters in communication with the base station. Some repeaters may be in communication with the base station via other repeaters, for example in a chain configuration. The base station may prepare a multicast message including control information for the quantity of repeaters. In some examples, the base station may transmit the multicast message directly to each repeater in the quantity of repeaters, which may be referred to as a single hop control transmission. In some examples, the base station may transmit the multicast message via one or more chains of repeaters, which may be referred to as a multi-hop control transmission. The described techniques may include improved repeater operations and promote efficient repeater communications, among other benefits.