Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. Disclosed techniques provide for reliable and secure sharing of configuration parameters over physical layer reference signals. A first network node may transmit a first signal conveying a first phase to a second network node. The second network node may transmit a second signal conveying a second phase, the second phase based on the first phase and an authentication parameter common to the first and second network nodes. The first network node may determine that the second phase is based on the first phase and the authentication parameter. Based on determining that the second phase is based on the authentication parameter, the first network node may transmit a third signal conveying a third phase to the second network node, the third phase indicating a signature parameter. The first network node and the second network node may communicate based on the signature parameter.