What Is The Purpose Of Using Ssh To Connect To A Router?

How to SSH Into a Router

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Updated March 3, 2022

If you are getting into the advanced features of your wireless network, you may wonder how to SSH into a router. Some of the best routers permit for this nifty feat, but why would y'all want to SSH into a router and how would you even do it? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

SSH stands for "Secure Shell" and it is an enhanced security encryption algorithm for modern routers made past a community for developers.
Yous won't be able to enable SSH access or SSH connections in the router's settings page, so it requires downloading a third-party SSH customer, such as Putty.
In one case downloaded and installed, you should be able to brand whatsoever changes on your computer that will force your router to establish the SSH protocol. If you have any questions, access your current community of developers or another online community.

What is the Purpose of Using SSH to Connect to a Router?

Information technology'southward all about protecting your network from would-be hackers and their nefarious mobile devices. SSH stands for "Secure Shell" and, equally the name suggests, this connection type offers a significant increment in network security when it comes to remote devices. Using SSH for a router connexion tin assistance you larn how to prevent a DDoS attack on a router and assist with other issues.

Insider Tip

If this process seems too extreme for you, simply head into your router'south settings and increase your security in other ways.

How to SSH to a Router

The process here is fairly complicated and not for newbies. Additionally, it varies co-ordinate to your router and several other factors. Notwithstanding, once completed you lot won't have to worry about knowing the security type of your router, as it will be a wireless Fort Knox.

STEP 1

While some routers let you to configure SSH protocols correct on the settings folio, this is extremely rare. In most cases, you'll have to download and execute a 3rd-political party SSH software suite, such as Putty. So look for your preferred SSH software, download it, and open up it up on your figurer. Your software options will differ co-ordinate to your operating organisation and router.

Footstep 2

Once downloaded and installed, you should be able to open up the SSH software and begin to make changes to the overall security settings of your router, including making the router switch over to SSH as its preferred security encryption algorithm for skilful. Read software tutorials and follow the prompts to make any necessary changes.

Footstep 3

Brand sure to relieve your changes afterward and restart your figurer, router, and modem. Delight note, you lot don't actually need 3rd-party software, as this process tin can exist completed past coding via the control prompt. This is for experts, though, as you can screw up your computer if y'all fudge up the code.

F.A.Q.S

How to enable SSH on a Cisco router or switch?

Cisco routers and switches are no different from whatsoever others. In other words, follow the aforementioned steps.

Are there risks to using SSH?

You could brick your router, but the chances are minimal as long every bit yous reliable apply countersign authentication via the stack exchange. Once enabled, you lot'll receive all of the golden badges, silver badges, and bronze badges from your online community.

Exercise I need SSH for security?

Not really. Many developers consider SSH to be a flake of overkill and information technology may also slightly reduce the speed of your network, due to authentication retries and the occasional hallmark timeout.

STAT: In 1995, Tatu Ylönen, a researcher at Helsinki University of Technology, Finland, designed the first version of the protocol (now called SSH-1) prompted by a countersign-sniffing attack at his academy network. (source)

Lawrence Bonk is a copywriter with a decade of experience in the tech space, with columns actualization in Engadget, Huffington Post and CBS, among others. He has a cat named Cinnamon.