Conflicts are resolved between competing nodes in a multi-node communications network. After a first node in the network requests an initiation of communications with a target node, the requesting node may simply initiate the requested communications with the target node if the target node is not busy. If the first node determines that the target node is busy, it proceeds to resolve the conflict. Namely, the first node repeats the process of waiting for a first delay then requesting initiation of communications with the target node. After each unsuccessful attempt, the first delay is successively increased. As an example, the delay may be increased exponentially, with a controlled randomness added. After a or more queued messages to other nodes. Following this, the first node performs another sequence to initiate communications with the target node, successively increasing the delay between unsuccessful attempts, as before. After a predetermined number of unsuccessful passes through the foregoing routine, the first node proceeds to take appropriate action, such as initiating an error recovery routine, sending the message via different hardware components, or issuing an error message.