Microsoft: Running Multiple Instances of Microsoft SQL

In order for central management and saving the cost of SQL license, many database administrators like to setup multiple instances in one SQL server. Every instance should listen to an unique port. Thus, normally, the port setup of the instances would be port 1433 for one of the instances and the rest of the instances will be configured with dynamic port. However, for example, if you enable the Windows Firewall, dynamic port may not be a good idea.

To configure the instances to listen to a static port, please follow the steps below:
1.  In SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the console pane, expand SQL Server Network Configuration, expand Protocols for <instance name>, and then double-click TCP/IP.

2.  Delete the 0 at TCP Dynamic Ports.

3.  In the IPn Properties area box, in the TCP Port box, type the port number you want this IP address to listen on, and then click OK.

4.  In the console pane, click SQL Server Services.

5.  In the details pane, right-click SQL Server (<instance name>) and then click Restart, to stop and restart SQL Server.

 

6.  If you have enabled your Windows Firewall, you may want to create the rules to allow the ports. Please refer to the page below for the Windows Firewall configuration:

http://mkcheah88.blogspot.com/2014/02/microsoft-microsoft-sql-network-error-26.html