IP address in ADO.NET connection string

When you specify a server in an ADO.NET connection string, use the server's IP address, not the server's DNS name. By using an IP address instead of a DNS name, name resolution does not have to occur, reducing the amount of time it takes for a connection to be made. A server's IP address can be used to specify either a default or named instance of a server running SQL Server. If you are running a cluster, use the virtual SQL Server IP address.