Which type of storage architecture is characterized by each node being independent of others?

The choice of loosely coupled architecture is correct because it refers to a system in which each node operates independently of others. In a loosely coupled storage architecture, the nodes can communicate and collaborate, but they are designed to work autonomously, meaning that the performance or functionality of one node does not directly affect the others. This characteristic allows for greater flexibility, scalability, and fault tolerance, as each node can manage its own resources and operations without being heavily dependent on the central system or on other nodes.

In contrast, tightly coupled architecture involves nodes that are highly interdependent, meaning that a failure or change in one node can significantly impact the others. While redundant storage focuses on providing backup and recovery solutions for maintaining data integrity, and distributed storage is more about spreading data across multiple locations for efficiency and availability, those concepts do not highlight the independence of nodes as clearly as loosely coupled does. Thus, the nature of loosely coupled systems makes them ideal for certain cloud and distributed storage applications where resiliency and independent operation are essential.