Installing a Data Gateway for Power BI

 

A Power BI gateway is software that you install within an on-premises network; it facilitates access to data in that network. It's like a gatekeeper that listens for connection requests and grants them only when a user’s requests meet certain criteria. This lets organizations keep databases and other data sources on their on-premises networks, yet securely use that on-premises data in Power BI reports and dashboards. A gateway can be used for a single data source or multiple data sources.

Types of gateways

·         On-premises data gateway (personal mode) – allows one user to connect to sources and can’t be shared with others. Can only be used with Power BI. This gateway is well-suited to scenarios where you are the only person who creates reports, and you do not need to share the data sources with others.

·         On-premises data gateway – allows multiple users to connect to multiple on-premises data sources. Can be used by Power BI, PowerApps, Flow, Azure Analysis Services, and Azure Logic apps, all with a single gateway installation. This gateway is well-suited to more complex scenarios with multiple people accessing multiple data sources.

There are four main steps for using a gateway:

1.      Install the gateway on a local computer, using the appropriate mode

2.      Add users to the gateway, so they can access on-premises data sources

3.      Connect to data sources, so they can be used in reports and dashboards

4.      Refresh on-premises data, so Power BI reports are up to date

you can install a gateway in personal mode or standard mode. In standard mode, you can install a stand-alone gateway or add a gateway to a cluster.

Download and install a gateway

1. In the Power BI service in the upper right corner, select the download icon  > Data Gateway.

2. On the download page, select the DOWNLOAD GATEWAY button.

3. Select Next.

4. Select On-premises data gateway (recommended) > Next.

5. Keep the default installs path and accepts the terms > Install.

6. Enter the account you use to sign in to Power BI > Sign in.

7. Select Register a new gateway on this computer > Next.

8. Enter a name for the gateway (must be unique across the tenant) and a recovery key. You need this key if you ever want to recover or move your gateway. Select Configure.

9. Review the information in the final window. Notice that the gateway is available for Power BI and PowerApps and Flow. Select Close.