Create Relational Connection in SAP HANA in 8 Steps – Most Awaited Tutorial

Previously, we have learned SAP BusinessObjects Reporting Tools, now, let’s learn about a new process that is creating a relational connection in SAP HANA. We will start with understanding what is a relational connection and then move on to learn how to create a relational connection in SAP HANA.

We will firstly discuss, what is exactly a relational connection.

Relational Connection in SAP HANA

A relational connection is an indirect way of connecting to the SAP HANA database. The reporting tools that cannot connect directly to the SAP HANA database, consumes data from the data foundations present in the data universes.

Therefore, the data universes are connected to the SAP HANA database via relational connections.

These connections establish using JDBC/ODBC connection drivers. Reporting tools like Web Intelligence and Dashboard Designer use a relational connection to connect to SAP HANA.

Once a reporting tool is connected to the SAP HANA database via a relational connection, it is saved in the repository for further use. The user can then use data from SAP HANA to create the data foundation for your universe layer.

How to Create Relational Connection in SAP HANA?

In this section, we will learn how to create or establish a relational connection in SAP HANA. Here, we are making a connection through the Information Design Tool (IDT).

You can start creating a relational connection with the SAP HANA database after creating a new project in IDT.

The steps to create a relational connection are given below:

Step 1: Information Design Tool

Open the Information Design Tool’s main page. Right-click on the project name under Local Projects tab.

Select New and then select Relational Connection.

Step 2: Resource Name

Enter the name of the connection in Resource Name option and click Next. For instance, we have entered the name SAP_HANA. You can also add a description of the connection in the Description box given.

Step 3: Database Middleware Driver Selection

Next, we will select the SAP HANA database driver. In the “Database Middleware Driver Selection” dialog, select the SAP option.

Then, expand the SAP HANA database 1.0 driver list.

Select JDBC driver as the connection driver. Click Next.

Step 4: Parameters for SAP HANA database 1.0 Connection

Enter the SAP HANA database user information; Authentication Mode, User Name, Password, and Server (host:port) details. Also, you can select from a list of Authentication Modes.

You can also test the connection by clicking on Test Connection. A message will prompt confirming the successful connection if the connection is correct.

Click on Next> to continue.

Step 5: Database Specific Parameters

Next, we will have to enter database specific parameters such as Connection Pool Mode, Pool Timeout, Array Fetch Size, Array Bind Size, Login Timeout, JDBC Driver properties, etc. Click Finish after entering all the details.

The Array Fetch Size number decides how many lines will be fetched from the database in each trip until the full data set is fetched.

If you need faster data retrieval from the database, set the array fetch size to 1000 (maximum value). But do make sure that the client tool has enough memory. The default value is 10.

Step 6: Connection Configuration & Details

The connection is successfully created. You can check the connection configurations in the tab present on the screen. The connection parameter screen will also have a General section and a Login Parameter section.

You will have the following information regarding the newly created relational connection.

• Authentication Mode
• User Name
• Password
• Sever(host:port)
• Connection Pool Mode
• Pool Timeout
• Array Fetch Size
• Array Bind Size
• Login Timeout
• JDBC Driver Properties

Step 7: Publish in BO Repository

Now, for the users to use this connection from universe designers, we need to publish this connection in the BO repository and create a shortcut.

To publish the connection we just created, right-click on the connection name. The new connection is shown under your project name in the Local Projects tab. Then select Publish Connection to a Repository option.

Step 8: .cnx File to Prohibit Users

This will publish a secured repository connection under the project tab with .cns extension. Along with this, a .cnx file will also be created which is a local unsecured connection prohibiting the users to publish anything in the repository.

Summary

This is how we create a relational connection with the SAP HANA system using IDT. The business users can connect to the SAP HANA database from reporting tools using these connection shortcuts.

Users also use these connections to create a data foundation for universe layer fetching data from the SAP HANA database.

We hope you liked our explanation. Stay with us as we move on to learn more exciting things about SAP HANA reporting and SAP HANA technology in general.

If you have come across with any queries or have any feedback for us, just enter in the comment section.