Oracle SQL*Net supports networked connections between Oracle database servers and their clients. It communicates with the Transparent Network Substrate (TNS) data stream protocol, and allows users to run many different network protocols without writing specialized code. SQL*Net is not included with the core Oracle database software product.
With Microsoft SQL Server, Net-Libraries (network libraries) support the networked connections between the clients and the server by using the Tabular Data Stream (TDS) protocol. They enable simultaneous connections from clients running Named Pipes, TCP/IP Sockets, or other Inter-Process Communication (IPC) mechanisms. The SQL Server CD-ROM includes all client Net-Libraries so that there is no need to purchase them.
SQL Server Net-Library options can be changed after installation. The Client Network utility configures the default Net-Library and server connection information for a client running the Windows NT, Windows 95, or Windows 98 operating systems. All ODBC client applications use the same default Net-Library and server connection information, unless it is changed during ODBC data source setup or explicitly coded in the ODBC connection string. For more information about Net-Libraries, see SQL Server Books Online.