Understanding Gateways for SQL

[MulberyPie]

I'm confused on how to set up a gateway and the microsoft documentation is confusing. The SQLdatabase is not hosted on my computer. Do I need to make a gateway on my computer for service to pull the data or does the computer that the server is hosted on need to set up a gateway. If it is the host computer how do I then add the gateway to my powerBI service account?

[otravers · Accepted solution]

You need to install the data gateway on a Windows machine (or virtual machine) ideally on the same network but not the same server as the SQL database. Avoid installing on a PC that may or may not be running whenever the gateway needs to be accessible (refreshes, dataflow development).

Once that's done you have a quick setup to do on the Power BI service so that it's aware of the gateway and has the necessary source credentials.

[MulberyPie]

I have a gateway set up now on the network, but I don't know how to add it to my gateways. There's nothing in the dropdown menu in manage gateways, and it's not a personal gateway so it doesn't show up under the dataset options. Where can I connect to it?

[MulberyPie]

I was sent this labeled, 'this is how it shows up in power apps'. Do I need permission to access it? What other information should I ask for? I don't get how I connect to it.

[otravers]

You need to input your SQL Server's credentials in that screen.

[MulberyPie]

I don't know how to access that screen. They just sent it to me as an example. Should I tell them to put the server information in it?

[otravers]

Yes!

[MulberyPie]

How would I access this gateway once they do? I went into powerapps where they got to that screen and it still says I have no gateways. Aside from the setup I don't understand how to connect to it or have it show up in my gateways. Do I need to be added to it?

[otravers]

Yes you need to be added as a user:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-platform/admin/onpremises-data-gateway-management