SSH Control of LXI Devices

Pickering LXI devices include a Secure Shell (SSH) service which will allow a user to remotely log into and control the LXI device. The steps for enabling SSH depend on the version of firmware installed on your LXI device. Please see the appropriate directions below based on your device’s firmware.

Enabling the SSH Service for Firmware Versions 5.x.x+

The SSH interface is normally disabled, here is the process for enabling it:

First from the LXI home page:

Screenshot of LXI home page
Figure 1 - LXI Home Page


Navigate to the 'Security' web page:

Screenshot of LXI security page
Figure 2 - LXI Security Page


Enter a password to enable security on the LXI device. This restricts access to most device webpages unless the password is supplied. The username defaults to 'admin'. A second username, 'sshuser', for SSH access is also created. 

Next, navigate to the ‘Instrument Control’ page and supply the username 'admin' with the previously created password, if requested. Enable the SSH service using the button at the bottom of the page.


Screenshot of LXI diagnostics page with start SSH server

Figure 3 - LXI Instrument Control Page

The SSH service is now enabled.

Enabling the SSH Service for Firmware Versions up to 4.x.x

AThe SSH interface is normally disabled, here is the process for enabling it: 

First, from the LXI home page:

Inputting options for PuTTY session
Figure 4 - LXI Home Page

Navigate to the 'Security' web page:

Screenshot of LXI login console
Figure 5 - LXI Security Page

Enter a password to enable security on the LXI device. This restricts access to most device webpages unless the password is supplied. The username defaults to 'admin'. A second username, 'sshuser', for SSH access is also created. 

Next, navigate to the ‘Diagnostics’ page and supply the username 'admin' with the previously created password, if requested). Enable the SSH service using the button at the bottom of the page.

SSH Server Enable Button
Figure 6 - SSH Server Enable Button


The SSH service is now enabled.

Remote Access to the SSH service

A suitable SSH client must be used to access the LXI device. PuTTT is a recommended tool: http://www.putty.org/ provides links to some access tools, including the PuTTT download. 

Enter the LXI IP address and then open the connection.

PuTTY Session Setup
Figure 7 - PuTTY Session Setup

Start a login console, then enter the username 'sshuser' and the password you entered during the security steps from previous steps.

Putty Session Window
Figure 8 - PuTTY Session Window


The terminal should now display an interactive program for control of the switch cards:

PuTTY SSH Control
Figure 9 - PuTTY SSH Control


Type the ‘HE’ command to obtain a list of all the commands available in this application. For those familiar with the Pickering PXI product software, this application is a part of the PILMon diagnostic program. 

More information can be found in the PILMon Programming Guide

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