Understanding SQL Server Port: A Comprehensive Guide for Dev

Hello Dev, whether you are an experienced database administrator or a newbie trying to learn SQL Server, understanding the ports used by SQL Server is essential. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about SQL Server ports, including the different ports used by SQL Server, how to change port numbers, and frequently asked questions.

What is a Port?

A port is a communication endpoint that allows computers to manage network traffic. It is a virtual concept, defined by a number, which helps to identify a specific communication channel between two devices. On a server, a port is used to identify a specific process or service that needs to be accessed by another device on the network.

Types of Ports

There are two types of ports:

1. Well-known Ports
2. Dynamic Ports

SQL Server Ports

SQL Server uses a combination of well-known and dynamic ports to communicate over networks. The purpose of using multiple ports is to enable multiple SQL Server instances to run on a single server without any conflict.

Default Port Numbers

SQL Server uses the following default ports:

Service	Default Port Number
SQL Server Database Engine	1433
SQL Server Browser Service	1434
Analysis Services (AS)	2383
Reporting Services (SSRS)	80/443
Integration Services (SSIS)	135/tcp

Changing SQL Server Port Numbers

Changing the port number for SQL Server requires modifying the SQL Server configuration file. Here are the steps to change the port number:

1. Open the SQL Server Configuration Manager
2. Select SQL Server Network Configuration
3. Right-click on TCP/IP and select Properties
4. Go to the IP Address tab and change the port number
5. Click OK to save changes

FAQ

What happens if I use a different port number for SQL Server?

Using a different port number for SQL Server can cause connectivity issues with client applications. Make sure that your client applications are configured to connect to the new port number.

How can I find out which port SQL Server is using?

You can find out which port SQL Server is using by running the following command:

SELECT name, protocol_desc, port FROM sys.dm_exec_connections CROSS APPLY sys.dm_exec_sql_text(most_recent_sql_handle) AS stmt WHERE protocol_desc = ‘TCP’

Can I use dynamic ports for SQL Server?

Yes, dynamic ports can be used for SQL Server. However, it is recommended to use static ports for production environments since dynamic ports can change after a server restart, causing connectivity issues.

What happens if I change the port number for SQL Server Browser Service?

Changing the port number for SQL Server Browser Service can cause issues with connectivity to named instances of SQL Server. Make sure that your client applications are configured to connect to the new port number.

Can I use a firewall to restrict access to SQL Server ports?

Yes, you can use a firewall to restrict access to SQL Server ports. However, make sure that you allow traffic on the specific ports used by SQL Server.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding SQL Server ports is essential for maintaining a SQL Server environment. Knowing the default ports, how to change port numbers, and frequently asked questions will help you troubleshoot any connectivity issues. We hope that this article has provided you with a clear understanding of SQL Server ports.