> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.acasia.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect to a cluster with SSH

> Generate a key pair, authorize the public half, and open a shell on an active cluster.

## Before you begin

* You have an SSH key pair on your local machine.
* You have access to the cluster in the Developer Portal.

<Warning>
  Upload only the public part of your SSH key (for example, `id_ed25519.pub`). Private keys must never leave your machine or your approved secret-management system.
</Warning>

## Walkthrough

<Steps>
  <Step title="Confirm the cluster is Active">
    On the Clusters page, the status badge should read **Active**. Provisioning clusters do not accept SSH yet.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm your public SSH key is attached">
    Open the cluster, go to **SSH keys**, and verify your public key is listed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Copy the SSH command">
    Use the **Copy command** button on the cluster connection panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect from your terminal">
    Run the command in a local terminal.

    ```bash theme={null}
    ssh aix@203.0.113.42

    # If using a specific private key:
    ssh -i ~/.ssh/id_ed25519 aix@203.0.113.42
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the connection">
    You should land in the cluster's shell. Run `nvidia-smi` to confirm GPU access.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The first time you connect, your terminal may ask whether you trust the host fingerprint. Confirm only if the host or IP matches the cluster connection details shown in Acasia.
</Note>

## Troubleshooting permission denied

* Confirm the public key was uploaded, not the private key
* Confirm the cluster is Active
* Confirm the username matches the connection panel
* Confirm a matching private key exists locally
* Confirm file permissions on `~/.ssh`

```bash theme={null}
chmod 700 ~/.ssh
chmod 600 ~/.ssh/id_ed25519
```