Hey guys! Ever wondered what the default port is for SQL Server 2019? Well, you're in the right place! Understanding the default port is super important for configuring firewalls, connecting to your database, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Let's dive into everything you need to know about SQL Server 2019's default port.

Understanding SQL Server Ports

Before we get into the specifics of SQL Server 2019, let's quickly cover why ports matter. Think of ports as virtual doorways on your server. When an application wants to communicate with another application over a network, it needs to know which doorway to knock on. This is where port numbers come in. They help direct traffic to the correct service.

SQL Server uses ports for various services, including the database engine, SQL Server Browser, and more. Each of these services might use different ports. However, the most crucial one to know is the port used by the database engine, as this is where your actual database lives and breathes.

Why Knowing the Default Port Matters

1. Firewall Configuration: Firewalls control which traffic is allowed in and out of your server. If you don't open the correct port, your SQL Server won't be accessible. Knowing the default port helps you configure your firewall rules accurately.
2. Remote Connections: When connecting to a SQL Server from a different machine (like your development environment), you need to specify the server's address and port. If the server is using the default port, you can often skip specifying it, but it's good to know for troubleshooting.
3. Troubleshooting: If you're having trouble connecting to your SQL Server, the port is one of the first things you should check. Making sure the server is listening on the correct port can save you a lot of headaches.
4. Security: While using the default port might seem convenient, it can also be a security risk. Attackers often target default ports because they know many systems leave them unchanged. Changing the default port can add an extra layer of security.

Default Port for SQL Server 2019

Alright, let's get to the main question: What's the default port for SQL Server 2019? The default port for the SQL Server database engine is 1433. This port is the standard for SQL Server instances, and unless you've changed it during installation or configuration, your SQL Server 2019 instance is likely listening on this port.

SQL Server typically uses TCP port 1433 for its default instance. This means that when you install SQL Server and don't specify a different port, it automatically configures itself to listen for connections on port 1433. This applies to SQL Server 2019 as well.

SQL Server Browser Service

There's also another important service to be aware of: the SQL Server Browser service. This service listens on UDP port 1434. Its job is to help clients find SQL Server instances on the network, especially when those instances are not running on the default port. When a client tries to connect to a SQL Server instance without specifying a port, the client queries the SQL Server Browser service to find the correct port number.

The SQL Server Browser service listens for incoming connections and provides information about the SQL Server instances installed on the server. This is particularly useful in environments where you have multiple SQL Server instances, or instances running on non-default ports. For the SQL Server Browser service, the default port is UDP 1434.

How to Check the SQL Server Port

Sometimes, you might not be sure if your SQL Server is running on the default port or if it has been changed. Here are a few ways to check:

1. Using SQL Server Configuration Manager

The SQL Server Configuration Manager is a handy tool for managing SQL Server services and settings. Here’s how to use it to check the port:

1. Open SQL Server Configuration Manager. You can usually find it by searching in the Start menu.
2. In the left pane, expand SQL Server Network Configuration and then select Protocols for MSSQLSERVER (or the name of your instance).
3. In the right pane, right-click on TCP/IP and select Properties.
4. Go to the IP Addresses tab. Scroll down to the IPAll section. The TCP Port field will show the port number SQL Server is listening on. If it's set to 1433, you're using the default port. If it's blank, SQL Server might be listening on dynamic ports.

Using SQL Server Configuration Manager is a straightforward way to determine which port your SQL Server instance is using. It provides a clear and direct view of the TCP/IP settings, allowing you to quickly identify the configured port. Remember to restart the SQL Server service if you make any changes to ensure they take effect.

2. Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is another excellent tool for managing and querying your SQL Server. You can use it to check the port as well:

1. Open SQL Server Management Studio and connect to your SQL Server instance.
2. Open a new query window and execute the following T-SQL command:

XSELECT local_net_address, local_tcp_port
FROM sys.dm_exec_connections
WHERE session_id = @@SPID;

This query retrieves the local network address and TCP port for the current connection. The local_tcp_port column will show the port number SQL Server is using for the connection.

By running this query in SSMS, you can quickly identify the port number being used by your SQL Server instance. This method is particularly useful for verifying the port in real-time and confirming that your connections are using the expected port. Make sure you have the necessary permissions to execute queries in SSMS.

3. Using the Command Prompt

You can also use the command prompt to check which port SQL Server is listening on. Here’s how:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

sqlcmd -S localhost -Q "SELECT @@SERVERNAME, @@SERVICENAME, SERVERPROPERTY('MachineName'), SERVERPROPERTY('InstanceName'), SERVERPROPERTY('IsClustered'), SERVERPROPERTY('IsLocalDB'), SERVERPROPERTY('Edition')"

Then use `netstat -ano | findstr