---
title: "<Alias> Properties (Alias Tab) | Microsoft Docs"
ms.custom: ""
ms.date: "06/13/2017"
ms.prod: "sql-server-2014"
ms.reviewer: ""
ms.technology: configuration
ms.topic: conceptual
helpviewer_keywords: 
  - "aliases [SQL Server], <Alias> properties"
ms.assetid: 2d1498e2-129c-4ce7-88e5-408e4037243c
author: stevestein
ms.author: sstein
manager: craigg
---
# &lt;Alias&gt; Properties (Alias Tab)
  An alias is an alternate name that can be used to make a connection. The alias encapsulates the required elements of a connection string, and exposes them with a name chosen by the user. Use the **Alias** page on the **\<**Alias name**> Properties** dialog box to view or specify the elements of connection string of an Alias.  
  
## Options  
 **Alias Name**  
 The name (alias) that you want to use to refer to this connection.  
  
 **Pipe Name** / **Port No**  
 Additional elements of the connection string. The name of this box varies with the selected protocol. See the topics listed below for examples.  
  
 **Protocol**  
 The protocol used for the connection.  
  
 **Server**  
 The name of the [!INCLUDE[msCoName](../../includes/msconame-md.md)] [!INCLUDE[ssNoVersion](../../includes/ssnoversion-md.md)] instance being connected to.  
  
## See Also  
 [Creating a Valid Connection String Using Shared Memory Protocol](../../../2014/tools/configuration-manager/creating-a-valid-connection-string-using-shared-memory-protocol.md)   
 [Creating a Valid Connection String Using TCP IP](../../../2014/tools/configuration-manager/creating-a-valid-connection-string-using-tcp-ip.md)   
 [Creating a Valid Connection String Using Named Pipes](../../../2014/tools/configuration-manager/creating-a-valid-connection-string-using-named-pipes.md)