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. By using a SAN, organizations can enhance data availability and reliability. This setup allows for easier backup and recovery processes, as well as better scalability. SANs often utilize technologies like Fibre Channel or iSCSI to facilitate high-speed data transfer between servers and storage devices.