SQL Server network configuration node

SQL Server communicates with clients on its own network application protocol called Tabular Data Stream (TDS). Under this network application layer, TCP/IP and Named Pipes (now deprecated) network protocols are supported. The third option called Shared Memory is always enabled and allows communication between server and client when the client is running locally on the same machine as SQL Server.

SQL Server supports both 32-bit and 64-bit protocols so configuration for both modes is the same. Under the SQL Server Network Configuration node (even if it's the 32-bit node), network protocols for every instance of SQL Server already installed on the machine are placed. The administrator selects certain instances (for example, Protocols for MSSQLSERVER, which is the default instance) and, in the right pane of the Sql Server Configuration Manager, selects the property window for certain network protocols by right-clicking on properties.

The most complex configuration has to be made on the TCP/IP protocol. When SQL Server 2017 is installed, the protocol is enabled, so the administrator just checks whether the proper TCP ports are used. The default TCP port used for SQL Server communication is port number 1433. For additional named instances, ports starting with numbers 1450, 1451, or similar are often used. The ability and port number has to be set for every variant of IP address of every network interface.

After this configuration is done, instance of SQL Server needs to be restarted.