Start Server remotely using SSH

Question

I am trying to start my server remotely with this:

ssh [email protected] /sbin/reboot

And keep getting this back

ssh: connect to host xxx.xx.xx.xx port 22: Operation timed out

Why can't I start my server?

Solution 1

Reboot is for restarting your machine, not for starting if it is currently powered down. If you want that, you need a 'wake on lan' tool.

Solution 2

In order to connect to a host using SSH, you need the SSH service to be running in the target machine. That's the reason for the timeout.

What you need is to setup the server for Wake-on-LAN. That means that when the LAN adapter gets a certain signal, it will start the physical machine. For this, you usually have to follow certain steps:

1. Make sure you have compatible hardware (i.e. A WoL capable NIC)
2. Enable the option through the computer BIOS
3. Configure the WoL in the OS (Usually install some packages or software)
4. Enable WoL for a particular adapter (NIC) on the OS
   1. Also known as configuring the MagicPacket

Depending on the OS you're trying to connect to, you can Google a tutorial for setting up Wake on Lan (WoL) on your flavor of OS.

Comments

[jimmij]

You cannot ssh to powered down machine. First you need to physically hit power button.

[spenf10]

Thanks, whats a wake on lan tool? And can I power on with that?

[steve]

Try this cyberciti.biz/tips/…

[Drav Sloan]

Or physical access to the server to power it on.