Power BI Connection Guide
What this covers
Power BI Desktop can connect to Tessallite using two methods: the PostgreSQL connector (port 5433) or the Analysis Services XMLA connector (port 8080). DirectQuery mode is recommended for both.
Method 1 — PostgreSQL connector (port 5433)
- Open Power BI Desktop.
- Click Get Data → Database → PostgreSQL database → Connect.
- Server:
HOST:5433(include the port). - Database: workspace slug (e.g.,
acme). - Data Connectivity mode: DirectQuery.
- Click OK.
- Select Database authentication → enter Tessallite username and password.
- Click Connect.
- In the Navigator, select tables/views → click Load or Transform Data.
Method 2 — XMLA / Analysis Services connector (port 8080)
- Open Power BI Desktop.
- Click Get Data → Online Services → Analysis Services → Connect.
- Server:
http://HOST:8080/xmla - Select Connect live (recommended).
- Click OK.
- Select Basic authentication → enter Tessallite username and password.
- Select catalog (workspace slug) from the dropdown.
- Select the model name → click OK.
DirectQuery vs Import mode
| Mode | How it works | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| DirectQuery | Power BI queries Tessallite at report refresh time. Tessallite routes to the optimal source. | Recommended. Retains all acceleration benefits. |
| Import | Downloads the full result set and caches locally. Queries run against the cache, not Tessallite. | For small, infrequently changing datasets only. Loses live acceleration. |
DirectQuery mode is required to benefit from Tessallite's aggregate routing. In Import mode, acceleration only applies during the import step.
Power BI Gateway for scheduled refresh
If Tessallite is on a private network, Power BI Service cannot reach it for scheduled refresh. Install an on-premises data gateway on a machine with network access to the Tessallite host, then associate the dataset with the gateway in Power BI Service.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely cause | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot connect (PostgreSQL method) | Wrong host or port | Confirm Server field is HOST:5433 |
| Authentication failed | Wrong credentials or auth type | Use Database auth with Tessallite email and password |
| Cannot connect (XMLA method) | Wrong URL or port 8080 blocked | Verify URL is http://HOST:8080/xmla |
| Scheduled refresh fails in Power BI Service | Private network | Install and configure on-premises data gateway |