Databases & Data Storage
Block Storage
Definition
Block storage is a technology that is used to store data files on Storage Area Networks (SANs) or cloud-based storage environments. It breaks a file into individual, evenly sized blocks and stores them as separate pieces of data, each with a unique address.
Why It Matters
Block storage provides the high performance, low latency, and random read/write capabilities required for demanding enterprise applications, particularly databases. It acts like a traditional hard drive for a server.
Contextual Example
When you create a virtual server (like an Amazon EC2 instance), you attach a block storage volume (like Amazon EBS) to it. This volume acts as the server's hard drive, where the operating system and database software are installed.
Common Misunderstandings
- Block storage is attached to a single server, whereas object storage is a network-accessible service.
- It is generally more expensive than object storage.