SSH Server Setup (RHEL 9 & opensuse)
★ What is SSH ?
SSH (Secure Shell) is a protocol used to securely connect to remote
systems over a network. It encrypts all traffic and ensures secure
authentication, making it essential for system administration and
remote access.
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★ How SSH Works Across Linux Systems:
● SSH server runs on the host you want to access remotely (usually
on port 22)
● SSH clients (like ,
ssh , or
scp ) connect securelyto the
sftp
server
● You can authenticate using a password or a key pair (passwordless
login)
● Works seamlessly in the same subnet or over the internet with
proper firewall rules
For server side configurations I have RHEL 9
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And for client side configurations I have opensuse
🔐 1. SSH with Password Authentication
Step 1:-Check status server side If it is not active
then activate it using this command
{ systemctl start sshd }
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Step 2:-📁 The main configuration file for the SSH
server is
Edit
/etc/ssh/sshd_config
and make sure these lines
are set (remove
#if present):
Restart sshd using this command
{ systemctl restart sshd }
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Step 3:- On the server side, add the SSH service
to the firewall & reload it.
★ ssh Client:
● ssh username@<ip-address>
● : Secure Shell command to start the connection.
ssh
● : The user account on the remote server
username
● : The IP address of the remote system
<ip-address>
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Step 4:🔐 SSH Login Using Username and Server IP
NOW :-
1. In server side, some files were created in a
directory.
2. Now check in client side is that added files or data
is visible in client side or not.
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● Server Side in rhel 9 :
● Client Side in opensuse :
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🔑 2. SSH Without Password (Key-Based
Authentication
Step 1:-📁 The main configuration file for the SSH
server is
Edit
/etc/ssh/sshd_config
and make sure these lines
are set (remove
#if present):
Restart sshd using this command
{ systemctl restart sshd }
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Step 2: Generate SSH Key on Client
Step 3: Copy Public Key to Server Using this
command{ ssh-copy-id username@server_ip }
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Step 4:- You will be able to connect without
entering a password, as the SSH key will handle the
authentication automatically.
● Server Side in rhel 9 :
● Client Side in opensuse :
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🔐 Important:-
1. SSH works on port 22 by default make sure this port is allowed in
the firewall.
2. The SSH service must be running on the server so it can accept
connections.
3. The server and client should be connected to the same network,
or able to reach each other.
✅ Conclusion:-
SSH (Secure Shell) is a secure and powerful protocol for remote
access, command execution, and system administration across
networked systems.
For aspiring DevOps or Linux engineers, gaining hands-on experience
with SSH setup, key-based authentication, and secure communication
practices is crucial. It deepens your understanding of secure remote
management, automation, and Linux server administration — all
fundamental skills in modern IT environments.
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