To enable automatic data refresh for your Learn Amp reports in Power BI Service, you'll need to configure a data gateway. This guide walks you through setting up the on-premises data gateway for both Data Lake and API connections.

💡 Tip: A gateway is required when your data source isn't directly accessible from Power BI Service in the cloud—this includes the Learn Amp Data Lake (Redshift) and potentially API connections depending on your network setup.

A Power BI Gateway acts as a bridge between Power BI Service (in the cloud) and your data sources. It enables:

• Scheduled refresh — Automatically update reports on a schedule

• Live connections — Query data in real-time (for supported sources)

• Secure data transfer — Encrypted communication between your network and Power BI

💡 Tip: For team use, we recommend the standard mode gateway to enable sharing and centralised management.

• Windows machine (Windows 10, Windows Server 2016 or later)

• .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later

• 8 GB RAM minimum (16 GB recommended)

• Network access to:

  • Power BI Service (*.powerbi.com)

  • Learn Amp Data Lake (bi.la-dl.com:5439) — for Data Lake connections

  • Learn Amp API (api.learnamp.com) — for API connections

• Always-on availability — the gateway machine must remain powered on for scheduled refreshes

⚠️ Important: The gateway cannot be installed on a domain controller or a machine that's frequently shut down.

1. Go to the Power BI Gateway download page

2. Click Download standard mode (or personal mode if for individual use)

3. Run the downloaded installer

1. Accept the terms and click Install

2. Choose the installation path (default is usually fine)

3. Wait for the installation to complete

4. Click Close when finished

1. Launch the On-premises data gateway application

2. Sign in with your Power BI account

3. Select Register a new gateway on this computer

4. Enter a gateway name (e.g., "Learn Amp Reporting Gateway")

5. Create a recovery key — store this securely!

6. Click Configure

⚠️ Warning: The recovery key is essential for migrating or recovering your gateway. Store it in a secure location.

1. Open Power BI Service (app.powerbi.com)

2. Click the Settings gear icon → Manage connections and gateways

3. Select your gateway cluster

4. Click + New to add a data source

5. Configure:

   • Data Source Name: Learn Amp Data Lake

   • Data Source Type: Amazon Redshift

   • Server: bi.la-dl.com

   • Database: Your database name (e.g., prod_eu1)

   • Authentication Method: Basic

   • Username: Your Data Lake username

   • Password: Your Data Lake password

6. Click Create

1. Follow steps 1-4 above

2. Configure:

   • Data Source Name: Learn Amp API

   • Data Source Type: Web

   • URL: https://api.learnamp.com/v1/activities (or your specific endpoint)

   • Authentication Method: Anonymous or OAuth2 (depending on your setup)

3. Click Create

💡 Tip: For API connections, you may need to handle token refresh in your Power Query code since OAuth tokens expire.

1. In Power BI Service, go to your workspace

2. Find your dataset (hover over it and click ⋯ → Settings)

3. Expand Gateway connection

4. Select your gateway and map the data sources

5. Click Apply

1. In dataset settings, expand Scheduled refresh

2. Toggle Keep your data up to date to On

3. Set your refresh frequency:

   • Refresh frequency: Daily or Weekly

   • Time zone: Select your timezone

   • Time: Add refresh times (up to 8 per day on Pro, 48 on Premium)

4. Optionally enable Send refresh failure notifications

5. Click Apply

• Firewall rules: Ensure outbound connections to Power BI and data sources are allowed

• Service account: Consider running the gateway service under a dedicated service account

• Updates: Keep the gateway software updated for security patches

• Recovery key: Store securely and rotate periodically

For mission-critical reporting, consider:

1. Gateway clusters: Install multiple gateways in the same cluster for failover

2. Load balancing: Distribute queries across gateway members

3. Monitoring: Set up alerts for gateway health

Do I need a gateway for Data Lake connections?

Yes, the Learn Amp Data Lake (Redshift) isn't directly accessible from Power BI Service. A gateway bridges this connection.

Can multiple users share one gateway?

Yes! The standard mode gateway supports multiple users and datasets. Gateway admins can grant access to specific users.

How often can I refresh my data?

Power BI Pro allows up to 8 scheduled refreshes per day. Power BI Premium allows up to 48 refreshes per day (every 30 minutes).

What happens if the gateway machine goes offline?

Scheduled refreshes will fail. Power BI will retry, but if the gateway remains offline, you'll need to manually trigger a refresh once it's back online.

Can I use a personal gateway for Data Lake?

Yes, but it's limited to your own use and cannot be shared. For team reporting, use the standard mode gateway.

1. Open On-premises data gateway application

2. Click Diagnostics tab

3. Click Export logs

4. Review logs for error messages

Ideal for reports reviewed at the start of the workday:

For reports needing mid-day updates:

For near-real-time dashboards (requires Premium):

• Build reports using Sample Power BI Report Templates

• Create custom calculations with Calculated Measures and DAX Examples

• Contact Customer Support for gateway troubleshooting assistance