A method for initializing a fiber channel link upon a failure of a standard speed negotiation algorithm is provided. The standard speed negotiation algorithm is disabled. A link speed is set to a highest possible link speed not yet attempted outside the standard speed negotiation algorithm, initializing the fiber channel link if the link speed is negotiated at a maximum link speed. If the link speed is negotiated at a speed less than the maximum link speed, the standard speed negotiation algorithm is reattempted, initializing the fiber channel link according to the standard speed negotiation algorithm if the reattempt is successful.