If the SQL Server Browser service is not running, the following connections do not work:

• If we have just one instance installed on machine and it is running on default port 1433, then status of SQL Server Browser service does not make any difference in our connection parameters.

• If there are more than one instances running on the same machine, in that case either we have to start SQL Server Browser service or provide the port number along with IP (or server name) and instance name, to access any other instance than default.

• If SQL Server Browser service is stopped and IP along with port number is not provided, then connection will be refused.

• If SQL Server instance is configured using dynamic ports, then browser service is required to connect to correct port number.

• Also our named instances will not be published in the list of SQL Server instances on the network (which could be a good thing)