Can a x11 terminal be tunneled through ssh?

iLuvDebian · 02-15-2014, 05:49 PM

hi

I am aware that some applications can be tunneled through a ssh server for encrypted traffic like web browsers for example.

I want to know if it is possible to tunnel a x11 terminal window like Konsole for example through a ssh server.

THanks

rigor · 02-15-2014, 06:30 PM

Have you looked at the -X option on the ssh command?

273 · 02-15-2014, 06:52 PM

To be more explicit than rigor I did just that (ran konsole from my other machine through SSH) just this minute. So, yes, it works just like any other X11 application.

iLuvDebian · 02-15-2014, 07:25 PM

Do I need to comment out these two lines from /etc/ssh/sshd_config first before using the -X switch ?

#AllowTcpForwarding yes
#X11Forwarding yes

273 · 02-15-2014, 07:30 PM

I don't know what AllowTcpForwarding so I would say you probably don't need it but X11Forwarding is precisely what you are indicating you want.

iLuvDebian · 02-15-2014, 07:41 PM

OK

Thanks to both of you

Firerat · 02-15-2014, 08:51 PM

Although it is not what you asked for, a 'better solution' is to use gnu screen or tmux

Currently you will lose your session if the connection drops for any reason.

With screen, the session will still be active, and you can reattach once the connection is re-established.

Takes a little getting used to, but well worth it
Read up on gnu screen, you will probably find you don't need to forward konsole

Note, I assume you want the tabs that konsole offers

My ~/.screenrc

Code:

termcapinfo xterm* ti@:te@ltscreen on
term screen-256color
hardstatus alwayslastline
hardstatus string '%{= kG}[ %{G}%H %{g}][%= %{= kw}%?%-Lw%?%{r}(%{W}%n*%f%t%?(%u)%?%{r})%{w}%?%+Lw%?%?%= %{g}][%{B} %Y-%m-%d %{W}%c %{g}]'

Gives you a nice 'statusbar' which helps you see your tabs

273 · 02-16-2014, 06:45 AM

Good call Firerat. I think screen is a must where the possibility of a dropped connection exists. The split-screen and other options are very useful too.