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Home » Remote SQL Connections and Why You Need to Know the Port Number

Remote SQL Connections and Why You Need to Know the Port Number

SQL port numbers must be taken into account while setting up database connections. For Microsoft SQL Server, 1433 is the default SQL port number. Database administrators and developers might benefit from knowing the standard SQL port numbers and how to modify them.

Which port on a server will allow SQL connections is indicated by the SQL port number. A client’s goal while attempting to connect to a SQL database is to identify the server name and SQL port number. The client and database cannot communicate if the wrong port is closed.

The default port that Microsoft SQL Server uses is 1433. When SQL Server is installed using the default configuration, it will wait for connections and queries on TCP port 1433. It is common knowledge that attackers often attempt SQL injection or other attacks on port 1433. Many administrators alter the SQL port number for added security.

You can adjust the TCP/IP settings in SQL Server Configuration Manager to change the SQL port number. This makes it possible to change the port number from 1433, which is the default, to another port, such 1500 or 1501. For the new port number to take effect, the SQL Server service must be restarted after the port has been changed.

Applications and users who require database connections must be informed of changes in SQL port numbers. If the port is changed to a non-standard number, hardcoded connections will not work. In addition to potential problems, setting the SQL port number extremely high could result in firewall blocking of ports larger than 1023.

There are several other frequently used ports for SQL Server connections in addition to the basic SQL port. UDP port 1434 is where the SQL Server Browser service is listening. On TCP port 139, named pipe connections are made. TCP port 5022 is used for mirroring. 4022 TCP port is used by Service Broker. The ports used by SQL Server Management Studio are 135 and 445.

Comprehending the standard SQL port numbers facilitates appropriate firewall setting. All that needs to be done to enable critical database connectivity is to open the required ports. Close any unnecessary ports to limit access.

The SQL port number must be entered in addition to the server name or IP address when establishing a remote connection to a SQL Server. The target server 123.123.123.123 on port 1500 may be specified as “123.123.123.123,1500” in a remote connection string. The correct database instance is connected to via the SQL port number.

To recap, the important SQL port numbers are 135 and 445 for Management Studio, 1433 for default SQL connections, and 1434 for the SQL Browser service. Enhancing security by switching the SQL port from 1433 to a custom port necessitates specifying the new port number in all connection strings. In general, successful database administration and connectivity depend on knowing the standard SQL port numbers.