A system and method is provided for generating network timeouts by utilizing intentionally delayed message transmissions sent internal to a network controller. For example, according to this system and method a network controller transmits a data message externally over a network and the data message invokes a response network message. The network controller also transmits a timeout message corresponding to the data message; however, the timeout message is intentionally delayed for a predetermined duration of time prior to being internally transmitted. controller host device receives at least one of the response message and the timeout message and determines which is received first. If the timeout message is received, a request associated with the transmitted data message is treated as having timed out.