Console access is only needed at the worst of times. Once our hosts are configured and added to the cluster, if we are logging into the console we’re either making changes because something went wrong or getting logs because something went really wrong. No one enjoys having to log into an iLO and toggling between ALT+F1 and ALT+F2 to hop into unsupported mode. SSH mode may not make our woes disappear, but it’s one less thing we have to deal with in the most stressful of times. The vSphere Management Assistant is no exception. Being able to SSH into the appliance without having to deal with the vSphere console is a huge, huge, convenience. Below you’ll see what needs to be done in order to SSH into your VMA effectively.
Similar to your ESXi hosts, SSH is not allowed by default on your VMA. Also similar to ESXi, all you’ll need to do is edit a file and you’re good to go.
- Open up your console and log into the VMA. In case you forgot (like me, always…) your default username to your VMA is not root, it is vi-admin.
- Type the following command to open the file using nano: sudo nano /etc/hosts.allow
- Use your arrow keys to add the following below any of the lines that are commented out: sshd: all : allow
- Save the document by closing it using the command ^x (The ^ means CTRL) and and typing Y when prompting to save.
- No services or anything need to be restarted. Once the document is closed, give it a shot and see if you can SSH into the Appliance.
This is compatible with VMA version: 4.0.0
Good luck. Leave comments with your successes and failures.
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