CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71)Applications and SoftwareHard
A network administrator is configuring firewall rules on a Windows server to allow a new database application to communicate with client workstations on a specific port, 1433, for SQL Server traffic. The existing firewall is blocking this communication. Which action should the administrator take to allow only the necessary traffic for the database application?
- ADisable the Windows Defender Firewall completely.
- BCreate an outbound rule to allow TCP port 1433.
- CCreate an inbound rule to allow TCP port 1433.
- DCreate both inbound and outbound rules for UDP port 1433.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Create an inbound rule to allow TCP port 1433.
Client workstations are trying to connect to the database server, meaning the server needs to receive incoming connections. Therefore, an 'inbound rule' is required on the server to allow traffic on the specific port (1433 for SQL Server) and protocol (TCP). Disabling the firewall is insecure, outbound rules are for traffic originating from the server, and SQL Server typically uses TCP, not UDP, for port 1433.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Disabling the firewall completely would expose the server to all network threats, compromising security.
- B. An outbound rule allows traffic originating from the server, but client workstations are initiating connections *to* the server, so an inbound rule is needed.
- D. SQL Server (1433) primarily uses TCP, not UDP, for client connections. Both inbound and outbound rules are only needed if the server also initiates connections to clients on that port, which is not the primary scenario here.
Firewall Inbound Rule
A firewall rule that specifies which incoming network traffic is permitted to reach a protected system or application.
- Controls traffic originating from outside the protected system.
- Often defined by protocol, port number, and source IP address.
- Essential for allowing legitimate external access to services.
Memory trick: Inbound is for visitors coming in, Outbound is for you going out.