I’m currently connecting my Azure Synapse SQL Pool to Power BI Desktop using SQL authentication. I noticed in some Microsoft documentation that Virtual Networks can work as data gateways for different Power BI data sources.
I’m wondering if this VNet gateway approach can be used with Synapse SQL Pool connections too. My main question is whether data transfer between Synapse SQL Pool and Power BI always goes through the public internet, or if there’s a way to route it through private virtual networks instead.
I’m still learning about these Azure services, so please excuse me if this seems like a basic question. Any guidance on the available connection methods would be really helpful.
Power BI provides several routing options for connecting to Azure Synapse SQL Pool, primarily focused on the required level of security. When both services are in the same Azure region, Power BI can route traffic through Azure’s backbone network, avoiding the public internet. For configurations involving private endpoints or Virtual Networks, a data gateway—either on-premises or VNet—will be necessary. Typically, setups using SQL authentication leverage Azure’s internal network, ensuring security through network isolation.
interesting setup! curious though - you handling sensitive data that needs private routing? what made you go with the vnet approach? is it compliance requirements or just following security best practices?
yep, vnet gateway totally works with synapse sql pools! if ya have private endpoints in ur synapse workspace, you’ll def need the vnet gateway for power bi. other than that, it’ll go thru public internet (but it’s encrypted). most folks stick to regular connections unless they’re super concerned about security.