A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a specialized network designed to provide access to consolidated, block-level data storage. It connects multiple servers to a centralized storage system, allowing for efficient data management and improved performance. SANs are commonly used in enterprise environments where large amounts of data need to be stored and accessed quickly. SANs typically use high-speed connections, such as Fibre Channel or iSCSI, to facilitate fast data transfer between servers and storage devices. This setup enhances data availability and reliability, making it easier for organizations to scale their storage solutions as needed.