Configuration of data path groups in wireless networks is provided. Configuration includes generation and/or removal of data path groups, and can leverage a hop count between a device to be added to the data path group and a defined device within the data path group. By limiting a permitted maximum hop count within a data path group, a mechanism that contains the size of a data path group can be implemented. In some embodiments, the data path group can be embodied in or can include a neighbor awareness networking (NAN) data path group formed within (or, in some instances, logically on top of)a cluster of NAN devices.