Mini Post: Using sys.dm_exec_connections to Get Info About Current Connections to SQL Server

Hey guys! Another bite sized mini post here!

Today we take a quick look at sys.dm_exec_connections (2012 equivelent here) to get a little info on what/how sessions are connected to our instance.

As stated in the links sys.dm_exec_connections provides server level info on SQL Server connections. Using the below for example:

SELECT top 50 session_id, auth_scheme, connect_time, client_net_address
FROM sys.dm_exec_connections
order by session_id

Would result in the below:

Fig. 1: Results of querying sys.dm_exec_connections

The client_net_address, I find particularly useful as it shows the host address of the client that is connected to instance. Nice. Auth_scheme is also nice as it shows the 'how' of the connection (is it a SQL login etc).


DISCLAIMER: As stated, I’m not an expert so please, PLEASE feel free to politely correct or comment as you see fit. Your feedback is always welcomed. :-)