How to Connect to SSH Server on Alternate Port

How to Connect to SSH Server on Alternate Port

SSH (Secure Shell) is a popular protocol used to connect to remote servers securely. By default, SSH runs on port 22. However, in some cases, you may need to connect to a server using a different port number. This can happen for a variety of reasons, such as security measures or simply to avoid conflicts with other services that may be running on the default port. In this article, we will explore how to connect to an SSH server on an alternate port.

Step 1: Identify the Alternate Port Number

The first step in connecting to an SSH server on an alternate port is to determine the port number that the server is using. This information is typically provided by the server administrator or can be found in the server configuration files.

Once you have identified the alternate port number, you can proceed with connecting to the server using the following steps:

Step 2: Connect to the SSH Server

To connect to the SSH server on an alternate port, you must use the SSH command-line tool with the -p option to specify the port number. The syntax for connecting to an SSH server on an alternate port is as follows:

ssh -p [alternate_port_number] [username]@[server_address]

Replace [alternate_port_number] with the actual port number that the server is using. Replace [username] with your username on the remote server and [server_address] with the IP address or domain name of the remote server.

For example, if the server is using port 2222, and your username is “user”, and the server IP address is “192.168.1.100”, the SSH command would be:

ssh -p 2222 user@192.168.1.100

Once you enter the command, you will be prompted to enter your password. Enter your password and press enter to connect to the remote server.

Step 3: Save the SSH Configuration

If you plan on connecting to the SSH server on the alternate port frequently, it is recommended to save the SSH configuration file with the alternate port number. This will save you time and effort in the future by eliminating the need to type the port number every time you connect.

To save the SSH configuration file, follow these steps:

1. Open the SSH configuration file using a text editor. The SSH configuration file is located in the /etc/ssh/ directory and is named “ssh_config”.
2. Add the following line to the file:

Port [alternate_port_number]

Replace [alternate_port_number] with the actual port number that the server is using.

3. Save the SSH configuration file and exit the text editor.

Once the SSH configuration file has been saved, you can connect to the SSH server on the alternate port by simply typing the SSH command followed by the username and server address. The -p option will automatically use the alternate port number specified in the configuration file.

Conclusion

Connecting to an SSH server on an alternate port is a simple process that requires only a few steps. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can connect to the server securely and efficiently, even if it is running on a different port. Remember to always use secure authentication methods, such as public key authentication, to protect your connection and your data.

If you would like to learn more about SSH and how to use it effectively, here are some helpful resources:

• SSH.com – A comprehensive guide to SSH and its various applications.
• DigitalOcean SSH Essentials – A tutorial on how to use SSH effectively for remote server management.

With this knowledge, you can confidently connect to any SSH server on any port and manage your remote servers efficiently and securely.

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