====== AE2 Mechanics: Your ME System and the World ======

^ Author | Applied Energistics Team |
^ Category | Storage & Automation |

An important concept in AE2 is **Network Storage**. It is where the contents of a network are stored, usually in **storage cells** or any inventory connected through a **[[storage_bus|ME Storage Bus]]**. Most AE2 devices interact with this storage in one way or another.

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===== Device Interactions =====

  * **[[import_bus|ME Import Bus]]** – pushes items into network storage.  
  * **[[export_bus|ME Export Bus]]** – pulls items from network storage.  
  * **[[ae2_mechanics_devices_interface|ME Interface]]** – both pushes to and pulls from network storage.  
  * **[[ae2_mechanics_terminals|Terminal]]** – pushes to and pulls from storage when inserting or taking items, or refilling crafting slots.  
  * **[[storage_bus|ME Storage Bus]]** – bridges the network to an external inventory, letting other devices treat that inventory as part of network storage.  

Keeping track of which devices push or pull is important when designing automation and logistics setups.

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===== Storage Priority =====

Priorities can be set by clicking the **wrench** in the top-right of some GUIs.

* Items entering the network go first to the **highest priority** storage.  
* If two storages share the same priority, the one already containing the item is preferred.  
* **Whitelisted cells** are treated as if they already contain the item when compared with other storages of the same priority.  
* Items being removed come from the **lowest priority** storage first.  

This system ensures that high-priority storages fill up first, while low-priority storages are gradually emptied.