What connection protocols are supported by SQL Server?

SQL Server supports the following connection protocols:

1. TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) - This is the most commonly used protocols to connect to SQL Server databases. It allow client tools or application programs on any platform from any where to connect to the SQL Server remotely over the Internet.

2. Named Pipes - Named Pipes is a protocol developed for local area networks. A part of memory is used by one process to pass information to another process, so that the output of one is the input of the other. The second process can be local (on the same computer as the first) or remote (on a networked computer).

3. Shared Memory - Shared memory is the simplest protocol to use and has no configurable settings. Because clients using the shared memory protocol can only connect to a SQL Server instance running on the same computer, it is not useful for most database activity. Use the shared memory protocol for troubleshooting when you suspect the other protocols are configured incorrectly.

4. VIA - Virtual Interface Adapter (VIA) protocol works with VIA hardware. For information about how to use VIA, contact your hardware vendor.

⇒ SQL Server TCP/IP Connection Info

⇐ SQL Server Connection Concepts

⇑ SQL Server Connection Concepts

⇑⇑ SQL Server Connection Tutorials