A storage area network (SAN) is a specialized network designed to provide access to consolidated, block-level data storage. It connects servers to storage devices, allowing multiple servers to access shared storage resources efficiently. This setup enhances performance and scalability, making it ideal for data-intensive applications. SANs typically use high-speed connections, such as Fibre Channel or iSCSI, to transfer data quickly between servers and storage systems. By separating storage traffic from regular network traffic, SANs improve overall system performance and reliability, ensuring that critical data is readily available when needed.