<%NUMBERING1%>.<%NUMBERING2%>.<%NUMBERING3%> PRTG Manual: Monitoring via SSH
Monitoring via Secure Shell (SSH) enables you to gather performance and system data from many Linux and Unix distributions, as well as from certain Mac OS X systems. If your system is supported this monitoring works natively without the need of additional software on the target systems.
In order to monitor remote machines via SSH, PRTG needs credentials (preferably root access) of the devices. If you use PRTG's SSH sensors, you can enter the necessary credentials in PRTG for the parent device or group, or in the Root group, in the Credentials for Linux (SSH/WBEM) Systems section within the Settings tab. The sensors will then inherit these settings.
With each scanning interval, PRTG will login to your devices and query data by executing specific commands.
For an overview and details about all SSH sensors, please see the List of Available Sensor Types section.
Limitations When Using SSH Monitoring
Due to the plurality of Linux/Unix derivatives, PRTG's SSH sensors cannot support all distributions on the market. Also, only certain Mac OS systems are supported. For a detailed list please see the More section below.
Authentication via SSH Private Key
PRTG supports authentication via password or via private key.
When using a private key, please ensure the following:
- Provide the key in OpenSSH RSA format.
- The key may not be encrypted! PRTG does not support password protected keys.
- The key must be provided as RSA key, you cannot use DSA keys with PRTG!
When providing an unencrypted RSA private key in OpenSSH RSA format, please copy the entire key, including the
-----BEGIN RSA PRIVATE KEY-----
and
-----END RSA PRIVATE KEY-----
lines, into the according text field in PRTG and Save your settings. Once pasted and saved, the private key will be shown as
***************************
Please make sure there exists a corresponding public key on the target device.
For a detailed description how to convert and use an existing SSH key, please see the More section below.
Knowledge Base: Which Linux or Mac OS distributions are supported by the Linux/Unix sensors (SSH, SNMP, WBEM)?
Knowledge Base: How can I use private keys for my SSH sensors with PRTG?
Knowledge Base: How do I enable SSH on my Mac OS X system?
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