What is the role of the Gateway process in Tableau Server?

The Gateway process in Tableau Server is responsible for handling requests from browsers and clients. When users interact with Tableau, such as when they open workbooks or dashboards in their web browsers, those requests first go to the Gateway. This process acts as a reverse proxy, directing requests to the appropriate backend services based on the type of request made.

Consequently, this means that the Gateway plays a crucial role in managing user traffic and ensuring that requests are processed in an efficient manner. It facilitates user authentication and monitors the health of the Tableau Server, ensuring high availability and responsiveness. The Gateway process ensures that users receive the correct data and visualizations from the server.

In contrast, the other processes do not have the same function as the Gateway. For example, connecting to data sources is handled by other processes specifically designed for that purpose. Managing extract storage and indexing data are also tasks managed by different components within Tableau Server's architecture, which focus on data management rather than user requests.