# Client and server components of Tableau Server

*Tableau Server Administrator Study Guide · Preparation · Last updated November 13, 2026 · https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/tableau-server-administrator/preparation/client-and-server-components-of-tableau-server*

Identify the clients that use Tableau Server (Desktop, browsers, Mobile, Prep) and the core server processes they reach through the Gateway: Application Server, VizQL Server, Backgrounder, Data Server, Data Engine, Cache Server, Repository and File Store, and how those processes cooperate.

- Certification: Salesforce Tableau Server Administrator
- Exam section: Preparation
- Study guide: https://www.certifyforce.com/study-guide/tableau-server-administrator

**Official exam objective:**

> 1.2 Topology: 1.2.1 Identify client components; 1.2.2 Identify server components; 1.2.3 Describe how they work together.

## What the exam expects

- Name the client components that connect to Tableau Server: Tableau Desktop, supported web browsers, Tableau Mobile and Tableau Prep.
- Name the core server components and the job each one does: Gateway, Application Server, VizQL Server, Backgrounder, Data Server, Data Engine, Cache Server, Repository and File Store.
- Trace a request from a client through the Gateway to the process that serves it.
- Separate where server metadata lives from where extract files live.

Key terms:
- **Client:** software outside the server that sends requests to it, such as a browser or Tableau Desktop.
- **Gateway:** the web server process that receives every client request.
- **VizQL Server:** the process that loads and renders views and runs their queries.
- **Backgrounder:** the process that runs server jobs such as extract refreshes and subscriptions.
- **Repository:** the PostgreSQL database that stores the server's own data.
- **File Store:** the process that controls the storage of extracts.

## Key facts

| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway | Apache web server (httpd.exe) handling requests from all clients | [Gateway Process](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/server_process_gateway.htm) |
| Gateway instances | One per machine; default ports 80 (HTTP) and 443 (SSL) | [Gateway Process](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/server_process_gateway.htm) |
| Browser clients | Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Firefox ESR, Safari | [All Technical Specifications](https://www.tableau.com/products/techspecs) |
| Application Server | Web application, REST API calls, browsing and searching | [Tableau Server Processes](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/processes.htm) |
| VizQL Server | Loads and renders views; computes and executes queries | [VizQL Server](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/server_process_vizql-server.htm) |
| Backgrounder | Runs refreshes, subscriptions, flow runs, alerts; scheduled or Run Now | [Backgrounder Process](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/server_process_backgrounder.htm) |
| Data Server | Manages connections to Tableau Server data sources | [Tableau Server Processes](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/processes.htm) |
| Data Engine | Creates extracts and processes queries; installed automatically | [Tableau Server Processes](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/processes.htm) |
| Repository | PostgreSQL database of users, groups, permissions, content and extract metadata | [Repository](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/server_process_repository.htm) |
| File Store | Controls the storage of extracts | [File Store](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/server_process_filestore.htm) |
| Data Services | Backgrounder, Data Server and Data Engine | [Server Administrator Overview](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/admin.htm) |

## Check yourself

- Why should users on the internet reach Tableau Server through a reverse proxy or VPN rather than directly?
- Which web server software and executable implement the Gateway process?
- Which process handles REST API calls along with browsing and searching?
- Why does File Store matter in a highly available environment beyond holding extracts?

## Sources

- [Server Administrator Overview](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/admin.htm)
- [Tableau Server Processes](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/processes.htm)
- [Tableau Server Gateway Process](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/server_process_gateway.htm)
- [Tableau Server VizQL Server](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/server_process_vizql-server.htm)
- [Tableau Server Backgrounder Process](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/server_process_backgrounder.htm)
- [Tableau Server Repository](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/server_process_repository.htm)
- [Tableau Server File Store](https://help.tableau.com/current/server/en-us/server_process_filestore.htm)
- [All Technical Specifications](https://www.tableau.com/products/techspecs)

## About the full unit

The "Core concepts", "Exam traps" and "Worked scenario" sections of this unit, its 4 linked practice questions, and unlimited timed mock exams are included with the Tableau Server Administrator pack (USD $19): https://www.certifyforce.com/practice-exams