A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a specialized network designed to provide access to consolidated, block-level data storage. It connects multiple servers to storage devices, allowing them to communicate efficiently. This setup enhances data management and improves performance, making it ideal for environments that require high-speed data access, such as data centers. SANs typically use Fibre Channel or iSCSI protocols to transfer data. By separating storage traffic from regular network traffic, SANs help optimize bandwidth and reduce latency. This architecture supports scalability, enabling organizations to expand their storage capacity as needed without disrupting existing operations.