Body
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to detail the process for requesting help when connecting to a database as a
user or
application
Definitions
| User |
an individual that would be connecting to the database to accomplish a specific task |
| Application |
a process or program that would be connecting to the database to accomplish a specific task |
Target Audience
- Vanderbilt University Community
- Faculty and Staff
- Undergraduate Students
- Graduate and Professional Students
- VUIT Internal Knowledge
Prerequisites
- Ensure the Users:
- Have been properly onboarded with a VuNet ID
- Are in the correct AD group for access to the databases
- Computer has VPN/GlobalProtect configured and working
- Have the appropriate database client software installed
- Ensure the Application or Server:
- has firewall access to the database.
- has the appropriate database software installed
- can telnet to the database server and port
Description
This article explains the process for requesting help when attempting to connect to a Database as a User or Application.
Common Issues/Troubleshooting
1. Check or request Firewall access if a telnet command to the database server using the server name and port “telnet fullservername portnumber” hangs, or does not connect.
2. For Oracle database connections:
- Check or request VPN/AD security access if the following error occurs:
◦ "ORA-12514: TNS:listener does not currently know of service requested in connect descriptor”
- Oracle 19 client should be installed if the following error occurs:
◦ "ORA-12270: Your client is not using the required TCPS (TLS/SSL) protocol to connect to the Oracle server.”
Common Questions and Answers
List common problems and their solutions or troubleshooting steps.
How do I get service?
Before submitting the ticket, if possible, please confirm with your co-workers that everything is configured correctly.
- Submit a “Managed Database Hosting > Request Service" request.
- Fill in the form with the following required information:
- A. Subject: “Unable to Connect to database_type Database”
- B. Description:
This is for the database_team team.
user_application is trying to connect to a database.
Error Message: db_error_number
Other details:
- Username: account_id
- Database Alias: db_alias_or_name
- Database Client: db_client_name
- Database Client Version: db_client_version
- Connection Method: connect_method
- Connecting From: os_version
- If Oracle Database:
- TNS Directory: oracle_tns_admin
- Are the following Environment Variables set?
- TNS_ADMIN: yes/no
- ORACLE_HOME: yes/no
Description
| database_type |
Either one of: SQL Server, Oracle, MariaDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL |
| database_team |
“VUIT Oracle Database” for Oracle, MariaDB, MySQL, PostgreSQL “VUIT SQL Server Database” for SQL Server |
| user_application |
The application name used to connect to the database |
| db_error_number |
The db error message and error number. Full error stack helps. |
| account_id |
User vunetID or Application username |
| db_alias_or_name |
Database name or server name |
| db_client_name |
Oracle InstantClient or Full Client, SQL Server, phpMyAdmin etc |
| db_client_version |
The full version of the client you are using |
| connect_method |
The method being used to connect. Example: TNS or ODBC or JDBC or Direct |
| os_version |
Example: Windows 11, macOS 15, Linux 8 |
| oracle_tns_admin |
Oracle only! The path to your tnsnames.ora and sqlnet.ora |
Contact for Further Assistance:
For additional help, please contact:
- Help Desk: 615-343-9999
- You may also chat with us by using the chat function found at the bottom of the page.