In one embodiment, a device obtains probe results generated by probing a plurality of entities in a network from a first node in the network. The device generates a location identifier for the first node that represents its location in the network, based on the probe results. The device selects a configuration associated with the first node for use by a second node in the network, based on a difference between the location identifier for the first node and a location identifier for the second node. The device causes the configuration to be deployed to the second node.