SQL Server Browser for SQL Server 2014

Introduction

SQL Server 2014 is a popular relational database management system developed by Microsoft. It provides a wide range of features and functionalities to store, manage, and retrieve data efficiently. One of the essential components of SQL Server is the SQL Server Browser, which plays a crucial role in facilitating the communication between clients and servers in a network environment.

The SQL Server Browser service is responsible for dynamically assigning ports to named instances of SQL Server. When a client application wants to connect to a SQL Server instance that is not running on the default port (1433), it needs to contact the SQL Server Browser service to obtain the correct port number. This service listens on UDP port 1434 and responds to client requests by providing the port number of the named instance.

How SQL Server Browser Works

To understand how the SQL Server Browser service works, let's consider a scenario where a client application wants to connect to a named instance of SQL Server running on a server machine.

Step 1: Client Application Sends a Request

The client application sends a request to the SQL Server Browser service running on the server machine. This request includes the name of the server machine and the instance name of the SQL Server.

-- Client Application Code
Server=myServerName\myInstanceName;Database=myDataBase;User Id=myUsername;Password=myPassword;

Step 2: SQL Server Browser Service Responds

The SQL Server Browser service receives the request from the client application and looks up the instance name in its registry. It then returns the port number associated with that instance to the client application.

Step 3: Client Application Connects to SQL Server

Armed with the correct port number, the client application establishes a connection with the SQL Server instance running on the server machine. This connection is made using the TCP/IP protocol and the specified port number.

Example: Using SQL Server Browser

Let's consider an example where we have a named instance of SQL Server 2014 running on a server machine. The instance name is "SQLEXPRESS" and is not running on the default port (1433). We will use the SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) as our client application to connect to this instance.

Step 1: Start SQL Server Browser Service

Before using the SQL Server Browser service, ensure that it is running on the server machine. Open the SQL Server Configuration Manager and check if the service is running.

Step 2: Connect to SQL Server

Open SSMS and click on the "Connect" button. In the "Server Name" field, enter the server machine name followed by the instance name.

-- SSMS Connect Dialog
Server=myServerName\SQLEXPRESS;Database=myDataBase;User Id=myUsername;Password=myPassword;

Step 3: Verify Connection

Click on the "Connect" button to initiate the connection. SSMS will contact the SQL Server Browser service to obtain the port number associated with the "SQLEXPRESS" instance. It will then establish a connection with the SQL Server instance running on the server machine.

Conclusion

The SQL Server Browser service is a vital component of SQL Server 2014, especially when dealing with named instances running on non-default ports. It enables client applications to dynamically discover the correct port number for connecting to a specific SQL Server instance. By understanding how the SQL Server Browser service works and how to use it, developers and administrators can ensure smooth communication between clients and servers in a network environment.

flowchart TD
    A[Client Application] --> B[Send Request]
    B --> C[SQL Server Browser Service]
    C --> D[Lookup Instance Name]
    D --> E[Return Port Number]
    E --> F[Client Application Connects]
Server Name Database User Id Password
myServerName\SQLEXPRESS myDataBase myUsername myPassword