Connecting via SSH

What is SSH?

SSH stands for Secure Shell. It is a network protocol that allows you to securely access the command-line interface (also known as the terminal or shell) of a remote computer over an unsecured network. All communication between your computer and the Raspberry Pi via SSH is encrypted.

Why Use SSH with Web3 Pi?

While Cockpit provides a web-based graphical interface for basic system administration, SSH gives you direct, powerful command-line access to your Web3 Pi's underlying Ubuntu operating system.

How to Connect via SSH

Before connecting, you will need:

An SSH Client: This depends on your operating system (see tabs below).
Your Web3 Pi's IP Address or Hostname:
- How to find your node's IP address or hostname

Now, follow the steps for your specific operating system:

macOS / Linux / Windows TerminalWindows (PuTTY)

Open your SSH Client:
- On macOS or Linux, open the Terminal application.
- On Windows 10/11, open PowerShell or Command Prompt. The ssh client is typically built-in.
Initiate the Connection:
- Type the following command, replacing <your-pi-address> with your Pi's actual IP address or hostname:
```
ssh ethereum@<your-pi-address>
```
  Example using hostname: ssh ethereum@eop-1.local Example using IP: ssh ethereum@192.168.1.123
- Press Enter.
Accept the Host Key (First Connection):
- The very first time you connect from your computer to the Web3 Pi, your SSH client will show a security alert asking you to verify the host's key fingerprint:
```
The authenticity of host 'eop-1.local (192.168.1.123)' can't be established.
ED25519 key fingerprint is SHA256:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])?
```
- This is normal. Type yes and press Enter to continue and store the key.
Enter the Password:
- You will be prompted for the password for the ethereum user:
```
ethereum@<your-pi-address>'s password:
```
- Default Username: ethereum
- Default Password: ethereum
- (Security Note: When typing the password, you won't see any characters or dots appear. This is expected. Type the password carefully and press Enter.)
Change the Password (Mandatory First Login):
- If this is the first time you are logging in with the default ethereum password, the system will force you to change it immediately:
```
WARNING: Your password has expired.
You must change your password now and login again!
Changing password for ethereum.
(Current) UNIX password:
```
- Enter the current password (ethereum) and press Enter.
- Then, you will be prompted to enter a New password: Type your chosen strong, unique password and press Enter.
- You will be asked to Retype new password: Type the same new password again and press Enter.
- Choose a strong password! This is crucial for security.
Login Successful:
- After changing the password (on first login) or entering the correct password (on subsequent logins), you will be logged in and see the Web3 Pi command prompt:
```
ethereum@<your-pi-address>:~$
```

Open PuTTY:
- Download and launch the PuTTY application.
Configure the Session:
- In the "Session" category (the default view):
- Enter your Pi's IP address or hostname in the "Host Name (or IP address)" field.
- Ensure "Port" is set to 22.
- Ensure "Connection type" is set to SSH.
- Click the "Open" button.
Accept the Host Key (First Connection):
- The very first time you connect, a "PuTTY Security Alert" window will appear, showing the server's host key fingerprint.
- This is normal. Verify the key if desired, then click "Accept" (or "Yes") to trust the key and continue.
Enter the Username and Password:
- A terminal window will open, prompting login as:. Type ethereum and press Enter.
- Next, it will prompt ethereum@<your-pi-address>'s password:.
- Default Password: ethereum
- (Security Note: When typing the password, you won't see any characters. Type carefully and press Enter.)
Change the Password (Mandatory First Login):
- If this is the first time you are logging in with the default ethereum password, the system will force you to change it immediately after entering the default password:
```
WARNING: Your password has expired.
You must change your password now and login again!
Changing password for ethereum.
(Current) UNIX password:
```
- Enter the current password (ethereum) and press Enter.
- Then, you will be prompted to enter a New password: Type your chosen strong, unique password and press Enter.
- You will be asked to Retype new password: Type the same new password again and press Enter.
- Choose a strong password! This is crucial for security.
Login Successful:
- After changing the password (on first login) or entering the correct password (on subsequent logins), you will be logged in and see the Web3 Pi command prompt:
```
ethereum@<your-pi-address>:~$
```