Abstract: We analyze the scenario where a pair of network devices each periodically relies on the other to handle network traffic. Without immediate reward, the forwarding device incurs an opportunity cost in handling the other’s request. We find, however, situations where rational decision makers prefer bandwidth exchange to isolated operation. We base our analysis on a take-or-leave-it protocol inspired by the Rubinstein bargaining model, and extend it to evaluate repeated interaction between pairs of devices. 