Handy Hints for Enabling a SQL Server Connection

Owned by Clea Boyd-Eedle (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Jan 28, 2021 by Theresa Klunk (Deactivated)
  1. Have you provided an external IP or hostname that can be accessed outside of your network? 
  2. Do you have a firewall, have you opened it for our IP numbers?
  3. What port is SQL running on, and is this opened via the firewall? Please advise port number if not the default, 1433.
  4. Are external connections enabled in SQL Server?
  5. Is TCP/IP protocol enabled in SQL Server?
  6. Do you have multiple instances of SQL running on that box, in which case we have to specify the instance name in the connection?
  7. Can you connect externally (eg maybe tether to your phone and try connecting from outside your network in the same way we are)?