mySQL database hosted on AWS RDS requires on-premises data gateway and mySQL ODBC connector?

[navinrangar]

I have a database hosted on AWS RDS cloud.

I have managed to connect to it from PowerBi Desktop; created a report and published it to the service.

Now, I want to refresh my reports on a regular basis. I  know it requires a on-premises data gateway (that's strange as my data is on cloud not on-premise)

I have installed data gateway and mysql on my local and it works find. However, I plan to shift it to the server. 

I know it requires gateway on server also. But i don't know if a mySQL connector is also required there?

As the gateway is only supported on windows, do i need to run windows on my aws ec2 instance?

In case anyone has already done it with AWS, kindly suggest some best practices and help with the process.

Thanks a tonne!

[lbendlin]

 I  know it requires a on-premises data gateway (that's strange as my data is on cloud not on-premise)

yes, but it is not on an Azure cloud.  For all intents and purposes it looks to Azure like an on-prem environment.

I know it requires gateway on server also. But i don't know if a mySQL connector is also required there?

That is incorrect. The gateway has to be on some form of Windows machine. It should not be on any server that also has other functions.  It is your responsibility to install and configure the MySQL driver.

As the gateway is only supported on windows, do i need to run windows on my aws ec2 instance?

correct.

Best practice advice depends on your planned connection mode.  Direct Query or Import mode?