7.1 SSH-Based Installation

Sometimes the installation process gets stuck or the initialization of hardware fails because of hardware-related errors or misconfigurations. In such cases, the ability to inspect the affected system can be very useful.

This can easily be achieved by providing the boot parameter ssh=1, which invokes the SSH daemon on the system being installed. The system prompts for a temporary SSH password. As an alternative, this password can also be provided by the sshpassword= boot parameter.

When the system is fully initialized, a message with instructions on how to log in to the server and how to invoke the installation appears on the screen.

Figure 7-1 Instructions for SSH-Based Login

The system can now be inspected. When the installation is started, a second SSH session to the device is required to monitor the installation process or to analyze any problem. The system from which you log in must be running a X server.

Another reason to use SSH-based installations is because some remote management boards might have difficulty in properly displaying graphical screens.