A data storage interconnect system has a network controller with a first expansion bus switch connected to a central processor over an expansion bus interface thereof, and a first transceiver connected to the first expansion bus switch. A directly attachable storage host with a second transceiver is communicatively linked to the first transceiver of the network controller. A second expansion bus switch is connected to the second transceiver, and is connectable to a removable storage device over an expansion bus interface. The removable storage device communicates with the second expansion bus switch over an expansion bus protocol. A data transmission link interconnects the first transceiver and the second transceiver, with expansion bus protocol data traffic between the first expansion bus switch and the second expansion bus switch being carried thereon.