User`s guide
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Configuration – Network > SSH Server
The secure shell (SSH) server allows remote peers to access the router over a secure TCP
connection using a suitable SSH client. The SSH server provides a Telnet-like interface and
secure file transfer capability.
SSH uses a number of keys during a session. The host keys are used for authentication
purposes. Keys unique to each SSH session are also generated and are used for
encryption/authentication purposes.
The router supports SSH v1.5 and SSH v2. The host key file format differs for each version
but there would normally only be one host key for each version. For this reason the router
allows the user to configure two host key files. These keys may be changed from time to
time, specifically if it suspected that the key has become compromised. Because the host
keys need to be secure, it is highly recommended to store the files on the router’s FLASH
filing system using filenames prefixed with “priv” which makes it impossible to read the files
using any of the normal methods (e.g. FTP). It is possible (using the genkey command) to
create host keys in either format for use with SSH. Using this utility it is not necessary to
have the host key files present on any other storage device (thus providing an additional
level of security). Refer to the section of this manual that covers certificates on how to
generate a private key file.
Unlike the Telnet server it is possible to configure the number of SSH server sockets that
listen for new SSH connections.
Multiple SSH server instances can be configured, each instance can be configured to listen
on a separate port number and can use different keys and encryption methods.
It is possible to configure which authentication methods can be used in an SSH session and
the preferred selection order. The router currently supports MD5, SHA1, MD5-96 and SHA1-
96. If required, a public/private key pair can be used for authentication.
The router currently supports 3DES, 3DES-CBC and AES cipher methods.
DEFLATE compression is also supported. If this is enabled and negotiated, SSH packets are
first compressed before being encrypted and delivered to the remote unit via the TCP
socket.
Note:
The SSH server supports the SCP file copy protocol but does NOT support filename
wildcards.
Enable SSH Servers
When checked, this checkbox enables the SSH servers on the router.
Configuration – Network > SSH Server > SSH Server n
The router supports eight individual SSH servers that are configured independently using
the options described below.
Enable SSH Server
When checked, this checkbox enables the SSH server.
Use TCP port p
The value in this text box is the TCP port number (default 22) that the SSH server will use
to listen for incoming connections. (Port 22 is the standard SSH port).