Which path type stores index data in Splunk?

The coldpath is the correct choice because it refers to a specific storage tier in Splunk where older, less frequently accessed index data is stored. This is a crucial aspect of Splunk’s data lifecycle management, as it allows organizations to optimize their storage use by keeping more recent, high-velocity data in faster, more accessible storage while moving older data to less expensive, slower storage solutions.

Index data in Splunk generally moves through various stages, starting from hot (where data is actively being written) to warm (where it is indexed and still fairly accessible), then to cold (where it remains indexed but less frequently accessed), and eventually to thawed (if the data is restored after being archived). The coldpath specifically indicates the location of this older, indexed data, which can still be searched but may take longer to retrieve compared to data stored in hot or warm conditions.

In contrast, the other options represent different storage paths used by Splunk. The homepath is where the initial data is stored in the hot state. Thawedpath refers to the area where archived data is restored for search after being moved to a frozen state. SummaryHomePath is used for storing summary index data, which is a different concept altogether. Understanding these distinctions is essential