
On-Premises Data Gateway Configuration
Connect Power BI to on-premises and private network data sources.
The On-Premises Data Gateway enables secure data transfer between local data sources and Power BI cloud services.
When You Need a Gateway
- Data sources behind corporate firewall
- On-premises SQL Server, Oracle, SAP
- File shares and local databases
- Private virtual networks
- Scheduled refresh of local data
Gateway Types
Standard Gateway (Recommended) - Shared across users and datasets - Managed centrally by IT - Supports multiple data sources - High availability with clustering
Personal Gateway - Single user only - Limited to that user's datasets - Not recommended for production
Installation Steps
Step 1: Download Gateway Get the installer from Power BI Service or Microsoft download center.
Step 2: Install on Server Run installer on a server that can access data sources: - Windows Server recommended - Always-on availability - Network access to data sources
Step 3: Register Gateway Sign in with organizational account. The gateway appears in Power BI admin center.
Step 4: Add Data Sources Configure connections to on-premises systems: - Connection strings - Authentication credentials - Encryption settings
High Availability
Gateway Cluster Install multiple gateways in same cluster: - Automatic failover - Load distribution - Zero downtime updates
Best Practices - Minimum 2 gateways per cluster - Different physical servers - Regular health monitoring - Update during maintenance windows
Security Considerations
- Gateway uses HTTPS for all communication
- Credentials stored encrypted
- No inbound firewall rules required
- Audit gateway usage
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cluster multiple gateways for high availability?
Yes, install multiple gateways in the same cluster for automatic failover and load balancing. This ensures no single point of failure and allows maintenance without downtime.
What network ports does the gateway use?
The gateway uses outbound HTTPS (443) for all communication. No inbound ports need to be opened, making firewall configuration straightforward.