A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a specialized high-speed network that connects and provides shared access to storage devices such as disk arrays, tape libraries, and other storage devices. SANs are designed to enhance storage efficiency, availability, and performance by separating storage resources from the server and making them accessible to multiple servers in a network. This architecture allows for centralized management of storage, enabling seamless data sharing, data migration, and backup processes. SANs often use protocols like Fibre Channel or iSCSI for communication and can be implemented in various configurations, including Fibre Channel SANs, IP SANs, and converged SANs. SANs are widely employed in enterprise environments to meet the increasing demand for scalable, high-performance, and reliable storage solutions.