SSH Remote Access

Remote access allows you to control the board over a network. This tutorial focuses on SSH remote control within a local area network (LAN).

For users without a display, you can configure SSH remote access by following the Serial Debugging guide and running the commands below.

tip

Ensure both devices are on the same local network:

1. Verify both devices have IP addresses in the same subnet.
2. Test connectivity by pinging each device's IP address.

Install OpenSSH

To enable SSH remote control, install the OpenSSH server by running the following commands in the Radxa ROCK 4D terminal:

radxa@radxa-4d$

sudo apt update
sudo apt install openssh-server -y

Start SSH Service

Run the following command to start the SSH service on your ROCK 4D:

radxa@radxa-4d$

sudo systemctl start ssh

Enable SSH Service on Boot

To ensure the SSH service starts automatically on boot, run:

radxa@radxa-4d$

sudo systemctl enable ssh

Check SSH Service Status

To verify the SSH service status, use the following command:

radxa@radxa-4d$

sudo systemctl status ssh

The output will show whether the SSH service is active and enabled to start on boot:

● ssh.service - OpenBSD Secure Shell server
     Loaded: loaded (/lib/systemd/system/ssh.service; enabled; preset: enabled)
     Active: active (running) since Tue 2025-05-27 10:18:30 UTC; 4min 39s ago
       Docs: man:sshd(8)
             man:sshd_config(5)
   Main PID: 1841 (sshd)
      Tasks: 1 (limit: 4659)
     Memory: 5.3M
        CPU: 608ms
     CGroup: /system.slice/ssh.service

SSH Remote Login

Command Line Mode

On another device, open a terminal and use the following command to connect. You can find the ROCK 4D's IP address using the ip a command.

Host-PC$

ssh <user-name>@<ip-address>

# Example

ssh [email protected]

Where <user-name> is your ROCK 4D username and <ip-address> is the board's IP address.

① : Query the ROCK 4D's IP address (in this case, obtained via serial connection).

② : The actual IP address of the ROCK 4D.

③ : Remote login to ROCK 4D via SSH.

Graphical Interface Mode

Tabby is a powerful cross-platform terminal emulator that supports various protocols including serial and SSH. We recommend using Tabby for SSH remote access.

• Installing Tabby

Download and install Tabby from the official Tabby website.

tip

• Windows

Choose the appropriate .exe file based on your system architecture.

• Linux

Select the .deb file that matches your system architecture.

• MacOS

Download the .dmg file for your system architecture.

• Using Tabby for SSH

Double-click the Tabby icon to launch the application.

Tabby Main Interface

Configure SSH connection:

① --> Settings: Click to access settings

② --> Profiles & connections: Click to configure connection settings

③ --> New profile: Click to add a new configuration

Select a base configuration template:

Choose SSH connection to modify device name, IP address, port, and other parameters in the subsequent interface.

After selecting the SSH connection template, modify the following parameters:

Name: Set a connection name (recommended to use the product name)

① --> Host: Enter the IP address of your ROCK 4D

② --> User: Set the username (default is radxa)

③ --> Save: Save the configuration

The default port 22 typically doesn't need to be changed.

Click the run button to establish the SSH connection:

After connecting, Tabby will prompt for a password:

① --> password: Enter the ROCK 4D password (default is radxa)

② --> OK: Confirm the connection

It's recommended to check the Remember option to avoid entering the password on subsequent connections.

Once successfully connected, the remote interface will appear.