Microsoft SQL Browser broadcast

Question

Hi all,
I have a doubt about Microsoft SQL Browser.

Inside a company there is VM with an accounting software and Microsoft SQL.
I have find documentation online about Microsoft SQL Browser.
I have read that Microsoft SQL Browser works using broadcast. Is it right?

I have found this information for example on this web site: https://www.networkinghowtos.com/howto/what-is-the-microsoft-sql-browser-service/

What do you suggest about this function of Microsoft SQL Server? Client and Server in the same LAN or Can I split them in two different VLAN (this is the actual company configuration) ?

Thread source link"Hi all,
I have a doubt about Microsoft SQL Browser.

Inside a company there is VM with an accounting software and Microsoft SQL.
I have find documentation online about Microsoft SQL Browser.
I have read that Microsoft SQL Browser works using broadcast. Is it right?

I have found this information for example on this web site: https://www.networkinghowtos.com/howto/what-is-the-microsoft-sql-browser-service/

What do you suggest about this function of Microsoft SQL Server? Client and Server in the same LAN or Can I split them in two different VLAN (this is the actual company configuration) ?

Thread source link: https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/windows/en-US/83de701c-616c-4b2b-ae11-d15314d30157/microsoft-sql-browser-broadcast?forum=win10itpronetworking

Answer 1

Hi ,

Welcome to our new Microsoft Q&A Platform.

If Microsoft SQL Browser is using broadcast, then you cannot split them in to different VLAN since broadcast cannot across subnets.

Here is a similar thread discussed before, you could have a look:

https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/591862-unable-to-browse-for-network-sql-instances-which-reside-on-a-different-vlan

Please Note: Since the web site is not hosted by Microsoft, the link may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

However, based on my research, it seems that some third-party routers can relay broadcast between 2 subnets.

Since typical router behavior, by default, does not allow broadcast forwarding, a client's UDP broadcast requests cannot reach a target server on a different subnet unless the router is configured to forward client UDP broadcasts to that server.

For your reference:

https://techhub.hpe.com/eginfolib/networking/docs/switches/WB/15-18/5998-8166_wb_2920_mrg/content/ch03s10.html

Please Note: Since the web site is not hosted by Microsoft, the link may change without notice. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Best Regards,

Candy