Gen1 Dataflow with connection to upstream dataflow

[JessieF]

Hi Community

I'm trying to clarify my understanding about authentication with Gen1 Dataflow in Power BI Service. 

If I have a dataflow outputting several tables with sources on a network folder, then I know that I need an on-prem gateway connection to authenticate to that folder.

Then another dataflow, in the same Workspace, with source from SQL and we have an on-prem gateway connection to authenticate to the server.   In this same new dataflow, I need a table from from that upstream dataflow connected to the network folder. 

• Regardless if I'm trying to use a computed table or a linked entity, I still need to have an authenticated connection - correct?
• Can that connection be a Personal Cloud connection, or does it have to go through the same Gateway as the SQL connection?

While managing cloud connections, to another source, I noticed this warning and I starting to wonder if I actually understand how Gen1 Dataflows are authenticated. 

I think this message means that if a Dataflow is going to get data from an upstream Dataflow you can only use the On-prem Gateway or a Personal cloud connection. But a managed cloud connection, like authenticated with a service account, does not work. 

Please help to clarify my understanding. 

Thank you all

Jessie.

[V-yubandi-msft]

Hi @JessieF ,

If the issue has been resolved, that's good to hear. If you still need any further details or assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,

Yugandhar.

[Thomaslleblanc]

It needs to go thru an on-premises gateway. That could be setup in Azure as an Azure VM

[JessieF]

Perhaps I wasn't quite clear.  My question is actually about the interaction of mixed connections with Gen 1 dataflows.  Could you perhaps expand on your answer to provide some articles to help me understand the suggestion.

thanks 😁

[V-yubandi-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @JessieF ,

Thanks for pointing that out. You’re correct, the way mixed connections operate in Gen1 Dataflows can be quite unintuitive.

 1. You need to authenticate each data source, even when referencing another dataflow, such as linked or computed entities.

2. For on premises sources like SQL Server or network folders, you must use the on premises data gateway, which can be local or Azure hosted.

3. With cloud sources, Gen1 only allows personal cloud connections or the gateway.

4. Gen1 doesn’t support managed or shareable cloud connections, which is why you received the warning. These are available only in Gen2 Dataflows.

I hope this helps clarify things.

Helpful Refrence:

Install an on-premises data gateway | Microsoft Learn
On-premises data gateway - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Regards,
Yugandhar.