"Sql Broswer" vs. "Hide Sql Instance"

I was never clear what the sql 2005 Browser service is about. But now that I've found the "Hide Instance" property of a server (SQL Server Configuration manager, select Protocols for MSSQLSERVER, right-click, go to Properties) I'm more confused than ever. What is the difference between these two items?

TIA,

Barkingdog

Hiding instance will prevent the broadcast request for instance to list that server instance. YOu will have to directly and explicitly connect to it (and therefore know the name).

HTH, Jens Suessmeyer.

http://www.sqlserver2005.de

|||

That makes sense but if I stop the Sql Browser won't that have the same impact?

TIA,

Barkingdog

|||Yes, shutting down your computer will also hide the instance in some way :-)

SQL Browser is not only for enumeration of instances, it will redirect requests to SQL Server instances, although the user did not specify the port to connect to, e.g. Connecting to instance SomeServer\SomeInstance on port 1677 (random port chosen by me) needs to be written in the connection string like this (without SQL Server Browser) SomeServer\SomeInstance,1677. SQL Server browser activated will also redirect the request for SomeServer\SomeInstance to the specific port without naming the port epplicitly.

So, hiding the SQL Server instance means something different. It won′t answer broadcasting request for instance names and only react on connection requests.

HTH, Jens Suessmeyer:

http://www.sqlserver2005.de