Which storage solution generally offers better performance when accessing larger databases?

The storage solution that generally offers better performance when accessing larger databases is a Storage Area Network (SAN). This is because a SAN is specifically designed to handle high-speed, block-level storage, which is ideal for database applications that require rapid access to data.

A SAN provides dedicated network storage with high bandwidth and low latency, allowing multiple servers to access large volumes of data simultaneously without performance degradation. The architecture of a SAN separates storage from servers, enabling efficient use of resources and facilitating fast data retrieval and transaction processing, which is critical for large databases.

Moreover, SANs typically use protocols such as Fibre Channel or iSCSI, which are optimized for fast data transfer rates. This is particularly beneficial for applications that demand high I/O performance and low response times, making SANs a preferred choice for environments dealing with extensive databases and enterprise-level applications.