A system and method for link detection and link initialization across a range of communication media is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method includes intercepting, by a subcontroller of a first storage element, an attempt by a controller of the first storage element to establish communication with a second storage element via a first communication medium. In response to the intercepting of the attempt, a link initialization signal is provided for transmission to the second storage element via a second communication medium. The second communication medium is independent of the first communication medium. When a response is received from the second storage element indicating a successful link initialization, an indication of success is provided from the subcontroller to the controller. The indication of success corresponds to the first communication medium. In one example, the controller includes an SAS controller, and the second communication medium is an optical communication medium.
