IP alias? Machine name alias?

JohnLocke · 08-26-2006, 05:52 PM

I'm sure this is a fairly simple question and answer, but I don't even know the right words to ask it. I've got two computers that aren't on the same network which I log in to remotely (using ssh). I know I can make an alias, but I'm wondering if there's a more "correct" way to tell the computer that "Lenny" is at 6.16.xxx.xxx and "Bugz" is at 168.2.xxx.xxx.

Is there something like an /etc/machine file where I can set that information so later I can just type "ssh Lenny" or "sftp Bugz" and get to the right box?

Thanks ... and if you could tell me the correct way of /describing/ this problem, I'd be happy to look at a manual already out there somewhere.

HappyTux · 08-26-2006, 06:05 PM

The file /etc/hosts is used for that put the machine address then name on a line by themselves then you can use them in the command an example of the file.

Code:

6.16.xxx.xxx Lenny
168.2.xxx.xxx Bugz

Of course changing the xxx to the proper numbers do this on both machines if you want to do it from each to the other.

ph0b0s · 08-26-2006, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnLocke

I'm sure this is a fairly simple question and answer, but I don't even know the right words to ask it. I've got two computers that aren't on the same network which I log in to remotely (using ssh). I know I can make an alias, but I'm wondering if there's a more "correct" way to tell the computer that "Lenny" is at 6.16.xxx.xxx and "Bugz" is at 168.2.xxx.xxx.

Is there something like an /etc/machine file where I can set that information so later I can just type "ssh Lenny" or "sftp Bugz" and get to the right box?

Thanks ... and if you could tell me the correct way of /describing/ this problem, I'd be happy to look at a manual already out there somewhere.

/etc/hosts

edit : ok happytux was faster

JohnLocke · 08-26-2006, 07:01 PM

Grrr ... I probably should have known that.

Anyway ... thanks much for the answer! That works brilliantly.

jakev383 · 01-16-2008, 12:21 PM

You can also add them to your ssh file (/etc/ssh/ssh_config in RH distros) like this:

Code:

host fileserver
     hostname 192.168.0.4
     Port 5781
     UserKnownHostsFile ~/.ssh/fileserver

Especially useful when you put SSH on a port other than 22 - you can then just:

Code:

ssh fileserver

and it will connect to IP address 192.168.0.4 on pot 5781 for you. I find this especially useful if you manage multiple machines.