Overview

Secure Shell (SSH) provides a secure, encrypted connection to your Robustel gateway, allowing for advanced command-line access. This is essential for developers, system administrators, and support engineers who need to perform in-depth debugging, run custom scripts, or manage the device at the operating system level. Due to the powerful access it grants, enabling SSH on Robustel devices is a controlled process that requires a specific license file obtained directly from Robustel after signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). This guide will walk you through the entire process, from obtaining the license to successfully logging in via SSH.

What You'll Need

Hardware list:

• 1 x Robustel Gateway (e.g., R5020, R1520 etc.)
• 1 x PC/Laptop with an Ethernet port
• 1 x Ethernet Cable
• Power Supply for the gateway

Software/Firmware:

• A valid SSH license file provided by your Robustel support representative.
• An SSH client application (e.g., PuTTY on Windows, or the built-in Terminal on macOS and Linux).
• Device purchase information (e.g., serial number) to provide to Robustel.
• A signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) with Robustel.

Prerequisites:

• Ensure your PC is connected to the gateway's LAN port via an Ethernet cable.
• Log in to the Router's web interface. The default IP address is typically http://192.168.0.1.

Step-by-Step Configuration Guide

Step 1: Obtain and Install the SSH License

SSH access is a privileged feature that requires explicit activation.

1. Sign an NDA: Contact your Robustel sales or support representative to initiate the process. You will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
2. Provide Device Information: Supply your Robustel representative with the necessary device information, such as the serial number, to generate a unique license file.
3. Install the License: Once you receive the license file, navigate to the RobustOS web interface.

1. Go to System -> Update.
   
2. ​Click on Firmware Update tab
   
3. Under the Update Firmware section, click Choose File.
4. Select the license file you received.
5. Click Update to install it. The device will install the license and reboot.
   

Step 2: Set the Root User Password

For security, you must set a password for the root user, which is used for SSH access.

1. Navigate to System -> User Management.
2. Click on the Root tab.
3. In the New Password and Confirm Password fields, enter a strong password. The password must be 8-32 characters long and include at least three of the following four types: uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (@#$.*!-).
4. Click Submit.
5. Finally, click Save & Apply in the top right corner to make the changes take effect.
   

Step 3: Enable the SSH Service

By default, the SSH service is disabled. You need to enable it before you can connect.

1. Navigate to Services -> SSH.
2. Click on the SSH tab
3. Toggle the Enable switch to the ON position.
4. The default port is 22. You can change it if necessary for your network security policies.
5. Click Submit at the bottom of the page.
6. Finally, click Save & Apply in the top right corner to make the changes take effect.
   

Verification & Testing

The best way to verify your configuration is to attempt an SSH connection.

1. Connect your computer to the gateway's LAN port. The gateway's default LAN IP address is 192.168.0.1.
2. Open your SSH client (Terminal or PuTTY).
3. Type the following command, replacing the IP address if you have changed the gateway's default LAN IP:

ssh root@192.168.0.1

4. You may see a security warning about the authenticity of the host. Type yes to continue.
5. When prompted for the password, enter the root password you configured in Step 2.
6. A successful login is indicated by a command prompt appearing in your terminal, which will look similar to ~ #. This confirms that the SSH license is active, the service is running, and your credentials are correct. You can now proceed with advanced debugging and management tasks.
   

Troubleshooting / FAQ

• Q: I get a "Connection refused" error when trying to connect.

• A: This typically means the SSH service is not running or is being blocked.

• Verify that you have enabled the SSH service under Services -> SSH and clicked Save & Apply.
• Confirm that the SSH license was installed successfully.
• Check for any firewalls on your computer or network that might be blocking outbound connections on TCP port 22 (or the custom port you configured).

• Q: The connection prompts for a password, but it says "Permission denied" after I enter it.

• A: This is an authentication failure.

• Double-check that you are using the correct username, which must be root.
• Carefully re-type the password. Linux terminals do not show characters as you type. If you are unsure, reset the root password in the System -> User Management menu.

• Q: How do I get an SSH license file?

• A: You must contact your official Robustel support channel or sales representative. The process involves signing an NDA and providing your device's details. SSH access is not available without this official license.

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