IT:AD:SQL Server Browser [Notes]

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# IT:AD:SQL Server Browser #



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The basic purpose of the SQL Server Browser service is to provide instance and port *information* to incoming connection requests.


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## Notes ##

* Introducted with SQL Server 2005
* Runs as a Windows Service
* Is an Extension of SQL Server Resolution Protocol (SSRP)
* Is of use when more than one instance of SQL Server is installed on a machine.

<WRAP tip>
Of use to developers who have both SQL Server and SQL Server Express installed on their dev box.
</WRAP>

* Is *essential* information for a DBA to provide safe access to their SQL Server instances.

* If you have only one SQL Server instance, and it is running on port 1433, turning it on or off will have no impact.


<WRAP tip>
 That's why developers get a bit caught out when they install one SQL Server instance (eg SQL Server Instance), program for a while, install another instance (eg full version of SQL Server), and things stop working. It's because the SQL Server Browser instance is turned off. 
</WRAP>

* If you have more than one instance, and the service is turned off, you have to provide the port number along with the IP address (or server name+instance name).

* If the SQL Server Browser instance is turned off, your named instances will not be published in the list of SQL Server instances on the network (which could be a good thing).


## Resources ##

* http://www.mssqltips.com/sqlservertip/1946/overview-of-the-sql-server-browser-service/