Network Protocols and Network Libraries
Applies to: 
SQL Server - Windows only
A server can listen on, or monitor, multiple network protocols at one time. However, each protocol must be configured. If a particular protocol is not configured, the server cannot listen on that protocol. After installation, you can change the protocol configurations using the SQL Server Configuration Manager.
Default SQL Server Network Configuration
A default instance of SQL Server is configured for TCP/IP port 1433, and named pipe \\.\pipe\sql\query. SQL Server named instances are configured for TCP dynamic ports, with a port number assigned by the operating system.
If you cannot use dynamic port addresses (for example, when SQL Server connections must pass through a firewall server configured to pass through specific port addresses). Select an unassigned port number. Port number assignments are managed by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority and are listed at https://www.iana.org.
To enhance security, network connectivity is not fully enabled when SQL Server is installed. To enable, disable, and configure network protocols after Setup is complete, use the SQL Server Network Configuration area of the SQL Server Configuration Manager.
Server Message Block Protocol
Servers in the perimeter network should have all unnecessary protocols disabled, including server message block (SMB). Web servers and Domain Name System (DNS) servers do not require SMB. This protocol should be disabled to counter the threat of user enumeration.
Warning
Disabling Server Message Block will block the SQL Server or Windows Cluster service from accessing the remote file share. Do not disable SMB if you do or plan to do one of the following:
- Use Windows Cluster Node and File Share Majority Quorum mode
- Specify an SMB file share as the data directory during SQL Server installation
- Create a database file on an SMB file share
To disable SMB
On the Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Network and Dial-up Connections.
Right-click the Internet-facing connection, and then click Properties.
Select the Client for Microsoft Networks check box, and then click Uninstall.
Follow the uninstall steps.
Select File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks, and then click Uninstall.
Follow the uninstall steps.
To disable SMB on servers accessible from the Internet
- In the Local Area Connection properties, use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) properties dialog box to remove File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks and Client for Microsoft Networks.
Endpoints
SQL Server introduces a new concept for SQL Server connections; the connection is represented on the server end by a Transact-SQLendpoint. Permissions can be granted, revoked, and denied for Transact-SQL endpoints. By default, all users have permissions to access an endpoint unless the permissions are denied or revoked by a member of the sysadmin group or by the endpoint owner. The GRANT, REVOKE, and DENY ENDPOINT syntax uses an endpoint ID that the administrator must get from the endpoint's catalog view.
SQL Server Setup creates Transact-SQL endpoints for all supported network protocols, as well as for the dedicated administrator connection.
Transact-SQL endpoints created by SQL Server Setup are as follows:
Transact-SQL local machine
Transact-SQL named pipes
Transact-SQL default TCP
For more information about endpoints, see Configure the Database Engine to Listen on Multiple TCP Ports and Endpoints Catalog Views (Transact-SQL).
For more information about SQL Server network configurations, see the following articles in SQL Server Books Online:
See Also
Surface Area Configuration
Security Considerations for a SQL Server Installation
Planning a SQL Server Installation