Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

July 7 - July 17 | Round 2 of the Power BI Dataviz World Championships. Don't miss your chance! Learn more

Reply
Anonymous
Not applicable

Custom Report Server security extension and custom DirectQuery based connector

Hi

We have the following scenario that is being explored (all on-prem based):

  • A user logs onto Power BI Report Server using ADFS for authentication/authorization
  • A report is made accessible to the logged on user that retrieves its data in realtime (DirectQuery mode) from a custom source e.g. an OData based API
  • The custom data source accepts the authentication/authorization details (token/claims) already available (in some way) and uses them to ensure only the relevant data is made visible in the report for that user

The assumptions we are working with at the moment are:

  • Create a custom security extension for Report Server to provide ADFS authentication capabilities
  • Create a custom connector that is able to pass the authentication/authorization details through to the data source
  • Build the data source (Web API/OData feed) so that it filters the data according to the authentication/authorization details provided e.g. token/claims

We are looking for guidance with:

  • How to create a custom connector that supports Direct Query to a custom OData source (without an ODBC driver)
  • How to build the custom connector so that it can "pass through" the credentials to the data source

Pointers to relevant articles or examples that would help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Most articles already read suggest that building a custom connector that supports DirectQuery can only be done via an ODBC driver...is that still the case or has anyone already achieved this...?

CData provides connectors that support DirectQuery capabilities, however these do not appear to support passthrough of authentication/authorization details to the underlying data source.

 

Thanks in advance for any help provided.

 

2 REPLIES 2
Anonymous
Not applicable

Hi @Anonymous 

You need to install Power Query SDK to create the custom connector by Visual Studio.

Installing the Power Query SDK

I think you need to install an ODBC driver. From the blog: What can you do with a custom connector?

  • Enabling DirectQuery for a data source using an ODBC driver.

You need an ODBC driver to enable DirectQuery for a data source.

Here is the code of DirectQuery connector, you make take a look.

For reference: Example: Connector with required parameters

 

Best Regards,
Rico Zhou

 

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

Anonymous
Not applicable

Hi Rico and thankyou for your response.

 

We have been able to use the Power Query SDK to build a very basic custome connector, however we need it to support DirectQuery mode without using an ODBC driver. We have found a GitHub issue thread that suggests it can be done (see below) but we're looking for a suitable full example.

 

Documentation for Table.View Expression Handlers · Issue #246 · microsoft/DataConnectors (github.com... 

 

Helpful resources

Announcements
FabCon and SQLCon Barcelona 2026

FabCon & SQLCon – Barcelona 2026

Join us in Barcelona for FabCon and SQLCon, the Fabric, Power BI, SQL, and AI community event. Save €200 with code FABCMTY200.

Fabric Community Sticker Design Challenge Barcelona Carousel

Fabric Community Sticker Challenge - Barcelona 2026

If you love stickers, then you will definitely want to check out our community sticker challenge, Barcelona edition!

July Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - July 2026

Check out the July 2026 Power BI update to learn about new features.

Power BI DataViz World Championships carousel

Power BI DataViz World Championships - June 2026

A new Power BI DataViz World Championship is coming this June! Don't miss out on submitting your entry.