Unreachable server because of SSH

Symptom

The server has a correctly assigned IP address (you can ping it), but you are unable to establish an SSH connection. Error message example:

Explanation

The SSH service is most likely not running, or it is not installed.

Solution

To verify the functionality of the SSH service, follow these steps -

Verify the SSH service is installed

1. Run the following command:

   CODE

   sudo systemctl status sshd.service

2. If the terminal output displays the service is installed (example output below), skip to the next section of SSH troubleshooting.

   

3. If the output says the service could not be found, enter the following command:

   CODE

   sudo apt update

   then the following command:

   CODE

   sudo apt install openssh-server

Continue with the following section of the troubleshooting.

Check the SSH service is running properly

1. Start the terminal.

2. Run the following command:

   POWERSHELL

   sudo systemctl status sshd.service

3. Check the Active row in the terminal output. If the service is inactive, run the following command:

   CODE

   sudo systemctl start sshd.service

   then repeat the first command to recheck the status:

   CODE

   sudo systemctl status sshd.service

4. Check the Loaded row in the terminal output. If the service is disabled, run the following command:

   CODE

   sudo systemctl enable sshd.service

   
   This ensures the service will be automatically started after every boot.