SQL Server, like many other database systems, uses a port number to identify itself on a network. This port number acts as a virtual doorway for communication between applications and the database server. The default port for SQL Server is 1433. This means that when you try to connect to a SQL Server instance, your application needs to know this port number. If you're connecting from a client application, you'll need to specify this port in your connection string. If you're using a tool like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), it will typically use the default port automatically, but you can change it if needed. The port number is an important configuration setting, and incorrect configuration can lead to connection failures. It's essential to ensure that the port is open and accessible on the server's firewall, and that the SQL Server service is running.