Understanding SQL Server TCP ports

Introduction

There are considerations to be made before making changes to your firewall. You will need to determine if SQL is using a Dynamic port or a Static port. It may also be prudent to check if the SQL Browser service is running, as this service also requires an exclusion setting within the firewall.  

This topic explains how to identify the SQL Ports in use by the PTP Software.  

 

 

SQL Configuration Manager

It is also possible to use SQL Configuration manager to identify or set the TCP ports SQL Server will communicate on.

  1. Click Start | All Apps | Microsoft SQL Server (year) | SQL Server Configuration Manager.

  1. Click SQL Server Network Configuration.

  1. Click Protocols for SQLEXPRESS (this could also be PTPACCOUNTS or MSSQLSERVER).

  2. Double-click TCP/IP.

 

The following screen displays:

  1. Select the IP Addresses tab.

  1. Scroll to the bottom of the window until the IPALL section is visible.

From here it will be possible to determine if the instance you have clicked on is using a Dynamic or Static port.

 

For a Dynamic Port

 

For a Static Port

 

Once it is determined which TCP Port SQL Server is using it is now possible to correctly configure the windows firewall or installed 3rd party firewall product.