Power BI Data Gateway Set Up & Guide
Imagine having the ability to link on-premises data with cloud insights in real-time - securely, seamlessly, and efficiently. That is what Power BI Data Gateway delivers; revolutionizing how organizations connect, visualize, and leverage multiple sources. But what exactly is a Data Gateway for Power BI, and how can I configure it optimally?
In this guide, we'll demystify the gateway setup process while uncovering the hidden potential of this powerful tool, providing a roadmap for supercharging Power BI reports and dashboards. Ready to unleash all the potential of your data? Let's go!
What Is Power BI Data Gateway?
Power BI Data Gateway is a free tool that helps access data from on-premises data sources. Suppose you want to access the data located from an on-premises location, then Power BI Gateway acts as a device between the cloud-based Power BI Service and on-premises data source and provides the way for data access from the on-premises location.
Furthermore, MS Power BI data gateway enables data security, simplifies data access from Microsoft services such as Power BI and Azure Logic Apps, and accelerates the transference of data speed.
Components of Power BI Gateway
In this section, we will enlist the key components of Power BI Data Gateway:
Gateway Types: There are two types of gateways available i.e., personal mode and standard mode. Personal mode is designed for inpidual use, especially for personal reports. It supports scheduled refreshes but does not allow sharing with others. On the other hand, standard mode is ideal for organizational use, supporting multiple users and on-premises data sources. It enables centralized management and is ideal for larger data refresh operations.
Data Sources: The gateway connects to various on-premises data sources, such as SQL Server, Oracle, SharePoint, and more. These sources are defined in the gateway configuration.
Gateway Service: The gateway service runs on a local machine within your organization. It handles data requests from Power BI and processes them to and from the data sources.
Power BI Service: The cloud-based component of Power BI that provides the user interface for creating reports and dashboards. It sends requests to the gateway for data access.
Data Transfer: The gateway uses encrypted channels, like HTTPS for secure data transfer between the Power BI service and the on-premises data sources. This ensures data security during transit.
Types of Power BI Gateway
There are two modes of data gateways in Power BI which are free to use:
- Personal Mode
- On-premises Standard Mode
However, there are some calculated differences exist between them:
| Personal Mode | On-premises Mode |
|---|---|
| Can be used to set up and run the reports | Suitable for companies where multiple developers are present |
| It can be used by the business analyst | Can be used by BI admin and developer |
| The connection type supported by this mode is import data or schedule refresh | In this mode, the connection type is:
|
| It supports only Power BI Service | This mode supports:
|
| No monitoring or control is present in this mode | Central monitoring is available |
Working of Power BI Gateway
In this section, we will explain in brief the working of Power BI Data Gateway:
Configuration: The gateway is set up and configured on a local machine that links it to the selected on-premises data sources.
User Interaction: Users create reports in the Power BI service. In case you need these reports, the Power BI sends the request to the gateway.
Data Query: The gateway processes the request, querying the on-premises data sources based on the specified data model.
Data Retrieval: The gateway retrieves the data, processes it, and sends it back to the Power BI service, where it can be visualized in reports and dashboards.
Prerequisites of Installing Power Bi Gateway
The Power BI Data Gateway can be set up on any device in the on-premises domain.
Yet, it is suggested not to install the Domain Controller. Below are some of the prerequisites for the Power BI Data Gateway requirements:
- .NET Framework 4.7.2
- .NET Framework 4.8
- A 64-bit version of Windows 8 or a 64-bit version of Windows Server 2012 R2 with current TLS 1.2 and cipher suites
- 4 GB disk space for performance monitoring logs (in the default configuration)
- Static IP: Suggested for personal mode gateway.
- Port configuration: Enable outbound traffic on necessary ports (default is 443)
Get the Seamless Power BI Gateway Set Up with Dynamics Square
Power BI Gateway is essential for organizations that need to access and refresh data from on-premises sources securely. Its architecture provides flexibility, security, and efficient data management, making it a critical component of the Power BI ecosystem.
If you need to access and refresh data from on-premises sources securely, then data gateway Power BI is essential. Its architecture provides flexibility, security, and efficient data management. However, for a seamless Power BI connect to an on-premises data gateway, expert guidance is necessary. Dynamics Square is the leading Microsoft Gold partner. We provide Power BI implementation, support, or maintenance services.
Further, if you have any query related to Power BI, you can connect with us at info@dynamicssquare.ca.
Randhir is a Content Expert at Dynamics Square. He enjoys crafting content that simplifies intricate technical concepts into easy-to-understand, jargon-free material. His goal is to provide readers with comprehensive and up-to-date information. In order to improve the caliber of his work, he is also constantly keen to learn new approaches and is passionate about experimenting with different styles of writing.
