Cannot Connect via SSH

Common SSH Error Messages

Step 1 — Verify the Server Is Running

Check the server status in the LightYear control panel. If it shows stopped or error, start or rebuild it.

Step 2 — Check Firewall Rules

Ensure port 22 (or your custom SSH port) is allowed from your IP:

1. Go to Network → Firewall Groups → [Your Group].
2. Verify there is an Accept rule for TCP port 22 from your IP.

Test with:

$nc -zv <SERVER_IP> 22
$# Connection to <SERVER_IP> 22 port [tcp/ssh] succeeded!

Step 3 — Verify Your SSH Key

$# Test with verbose output
$ssh -v -i ~/.ssh/your_key root@<SERVER_IP>

Look for:

If the key is rejected:

$# Check the key is in authorized_keys (via VNC console)
$cat /root/.ssh/authorized_keys

Step 4 — Use the VNC Console

If SSH is completely inaccessible, use the browser-based VNC console:

1. Go to Servers → [Your Server] → Console.
2. Log in with the root password (shown in server details).
3. Check SSH daemon status:

$systemctl status sshd
$# If not running:
$systemctl start sshd

Step 5 — Clear the Known Hosts Entry

If the server was rebuilt and the IP reused:

$ssh-keygen -R <SERVER_IP>

Step 6 — Check SSH Logs

Via VNC console:

$journalctl -u sshd -n 50
$# or
$tail -50 /var/log/auth.log

Checklist

• Server status is active
• Firewall allows TCP port 22 from your IP
• Correct SSH key selected
• SSH daemon is running
• Known hosts entry cleared after rebuild