SSH (Secure Shell Protocol) is a system for securely operating a device/service over an unsecured network. This is performed through a command line interface (CLI).
Elementals have some functions that are only available through SSH (such as setting DNS and installing our Sardius Automation Software), and do require some programming and networking knowledge in order to be able to complete. This tutorial will provide the basics for accessing your Elemental in this manner.
Recommended CLI Programs
- Mac: Terminal (comes with Mac OS X)
- Windows: Solar-PuTTY
Before You Attempt, Gather:
- Your Elemental's IP Address
- Serial Number for the Elemental
- Default Password for the Elemental (select models)
- This is physically located on the service card which can be found under the bottom right corner on the front of the Elemental.
- If you changed this password during the initial setup, you will need that custom password.
- Any specific Usernames & Passwords for the Elemental that are admin-level
- If you did not enable authentication on your Elemental when setting it up, you will use the username elemental
Connecting via SSH
Open your CLI Program.
Type into the window ssh user@ip.address
Example: ssh elemental@192.168.10.100
Note: If this is the first time your device has SSH'ed into the Elemental, you may get a warning that stats that the computer can't establish the authenticity of the IP address, and it will ask you if you want to proceed. This is a normal first-time error, and it is safe to proceed. Type yes and hit Enter.
Enter the password for the user account. Typically, this will be the Elemental's 7-digit serial number. As you type it, you will not see the password. It is also Case Sensitive, so keep those letters capital.
Hit Enter. If you are successful, you will see the Elemental's "home page."
This screen will show you:
- Current software version
- What license(s) are installed
- The Elemental's hostname.
As long as this window remains open, you will be able to "act" as that Elemental, including running PING tests, installing Sardius' automation software, editing files, etc.