Forum Discussion
What does the "connection test" actually do
We've an on premise gateway.
I've come to add a new connection and the "test connection" fails.
If I check the "skip connection test" option it creates the connection.
If I map a model to use this connection it works and the model refreshes.
So this is more for my knowledge/peace of mind. What does the "connection test" actually do?
In this case we have the following:
A SQL Server: MyServer
A database: MyDatabase
A database schema: MySchema
A table in that database: MyTable
A server login (using a domain user): Domain\MyUser
The login for Domain\MyUser is allowed to log into MyServer and it can see MyDatabase.
It has ONLY been granted SELECT permissions to MySchema.
The refresh works I guess because the model is only using tables within MySchema, in database MyDatabase on server MyServer.
So all good, no issues per se.
I can only surmise that the connection test is trying to do something that the login/user doesn't have permission to do and I was wondering what that was for completeness.
ANJ - hope this might help
1. Authentication Check
- Ensures that the credentials provided for the data source (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, SharePoint, etc.) are valid.
- Validates the authentication method (Windows, OAuth, Basic, etc.).
2. Gateway Reachability
- Confirms that the gateway is online and can communicate with the Power BI service.
- Checks whether the gateway is properly configured to handle the data source.
3. Firewall & Network Check
- Tests if the gateway can access the data source over the network.
- Ensures no firewall or proxy is blocking the communication between the gateway and the data source.
4. Data Source Connection Validation
- Attempts to establish a connection to the data source using the provided connection string or parameters.
- If the data source is a database, it may check if the database server is reachable.
5. Encryption & TLS Compliance
- Ensures secure communication using TLS encryption (if required).
- Checks if any SSL/TLS certificates (for cloud data sources) are valid.
7 Replies
- nilendraFabric
Super User
Hello ANJ
The connection test might be attempting operations that require broader permissions, such as:
Listing all schemas or tables in the database.
Performing a write operation or accessing system-level information.
Checking permissions beyond SELECT on MySchema.
Since your data model only queries tables within MySchema and does not require additional permissions, it works fine during actual usage even though the test fails.
while the "connection test" is a useful diagnostic tool, it may not fully align with specific use-case permissions.
- arvindsingh802
Community Champion
Test connection action, it perform few actions
1. Check connectivity between Gateway Server and source server/location2. Try creating connection using credentials provide
If you enable test connection while creation connection, it will only create connection if both are ok, this helps keeping only valid connection in gateway connection list Hi ANJ
May I ask if you have resolved this issue? If so, please mark the helpful reply and accept it as the solution. This will be helpful for other community members who have similar problems to solve it faster.
Thank you.
Unfortunately neither reply have answered my question.
I was hoping somebody might have the technical answer to what permissions/tests are actually performed as part of the test.Although not critical it would be nice to get the test passing without just opening everything up.
- arvindsingh802
ANJ - hope this might help
1. Authentication Check
- Ensures that the credentials provided for the data source (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle, SharePoint, etc.) are valid.
- Validates the authentication method (Windows, OAuth, Basic, etc.).
2. Gateway Reachability
- Confirms that the gateway is online and can communicate with the Power BI service.
- Checks whether the gateway is properly configured to handle the data source.
3. Firewall & Network Check
- Tests if the gateway can access the data source over the network.
- Ensures no firewall or proxy is blocking the communication between the gateway and the data source.
4. Data Source Connection Validation
- Attempts to establish a connection to the data source using the provided connection string or parameters.
- If the data source is a database, it may check if the database server is reachable.
5. Encryption & TLS Compliance
- Ensures secure communication using TLS encryption (if required).
- Checks if any SSL/TLS certificates (for cloud data sources) are valid.
Hi ANJ
I wanted to check if you had the opportunity to review the information provided by arvindsingh802 . Please feel free to contact if you have any further questions. If the response has addressed your query, please accept it as a solution and give a 'Kudos' so other members can easily find it.
Thank you.Hi ANJ
I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any further questions or if you'd like to discuss this further. If this answers your question, please Accept it as a solution and give it a 'Kudos' so others can find it easily.
Thank you
