This article will demonstrate how to access the command line for a ThousandEyes Virtual Appliance (TEVA) from PuTTY on a Windows Operating System.
In this article we will cover both the theory and practical application involved.
Part 1 covers basic definitions, theory and questions like:
1.1. What is TEVA? How are TEVA and Linux packages different?
1.2. Why might access to TEVA’s CLI be necessary?
1.3. Which Windows OS support native SSH clients?
1.4. Access differences between Linux and Windows.
Part 2 reviews the practical steps on how to get access from a Windows-native SSH client:
2.1. Installing the SSH if necessary.
2.2. Generating SSH keys.
2.3. Adding keys to an Agent.
2.4. Accessing the TEVA.
Note: If you want to connect to the TEVA from Windows using PuTTY – please follow this manual.
So let’s get started!
1.1 What is TEVA? How are TEVA and Linux packages different?
What is TEVA:
The ThousandEyes Virtual Appliance (TEVA) is a virtual machine (VM) which contains a pre-installed ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent. This is a convenient, pre-configured solution for deploying ThousandEyes agents. One of the key features is its limited administrative control.
What are the key differences between the TEVA and Linux packages:
By default a TEVA is "locked", which provides a limited set of administrative commands. For example, every time when the user needs to run commands which require root privileges – ThousandEyes Support needs to be involved to manually enter the root password.
1.2 Why might access to TEVA’s CLI be necessary?
It’s important to mention why access to the ThousandEyes Virtual Appliance (TEVA) command line might be needed at all:
- Configuration and Troubleshooting. Because UI gives a pre-defined options access –CLI provides a more detailed level of control over the appliance.
- Renewing SSL Certificates. This might be needed if custom certificates need to be generated or uploaded to the appliance.
- Troubleshooting related to Update/Upgrade. The CLI offers a suite of commands that provide enhanced insights into system performance and issues, which can be crucial for diagnosing different problems.
1.3. Which Windows OS support native SSH clients?
Linux OS contains SSH client by default. However, the native SSH client is included in Windows 10 (build 1809 and later) and Windows 11. For earlier Windows versions, it is possible to use alternative utility (PuTTY) usage which is described on docs.thousandeyes.com.
1.4 Access differences between Linux and Windows
Opposite a TEVA, the ThousandEyes Linux Package is an installation of the ThousandEyes Enterprise Agent directly on a Linux system (meaning that the owner already has root access), giving more flexibility and full control over the operating system and agent configuration.
With the theory laid out, it's time to get practical!
2.1. Install SSH client if it is not yet installed.
Steps:
- In the search bar type “optional” and choose “Manage optional features”.
- Filter added features with “SSH” and check whether OpenSSH client is installed.
- If OpenSSH is not installed – Click "+" to add a feature.
- Under “Add an optional feature” select the needed feature and install it.
Here is a short video to learn how to check whether the SSH client is installed and how to deploy it if needed:
2.2. Generating SSH keys.
Steps:
- Run PowerShell as Administrator.
- Run ssh-keygen.exe and follow prompts. In the example below I am using suggested values.
- Enter passphrase 2 times. We'll use this to confirm your ownership of the keys later.
- Check the folder specified in the path for 2 keys – one public, one private.
The following short video will show you how to generate SSH keys:
2.3. Adding public key to an Agent.
Steps:
- Open TEVA UI.
- Open the public key and copy it to the buffer.
- On TEVA UI – go to "Appliance Access" and "Add a new key" to the correspondent field;
- Click "Add key".
This video will show you how to add keys on the TEVA:
2.4. Accessing the TEVA:
Steps:
- Run PowerShell as Administrator.
- Type the line starting from ssh and add the needed arguments.
Please watch this short video showing how to access TEVA:
In our lab the entire command has a look:
ssh -i .\.ssh\id_ed25519 thousandeyes@192.168.100.27
ssh – runs the OpenSSH client;
-i – specifies the private key we created in 2.2;
.\.ssh\id_ed25519 – indicated the path to the private key. Please pay attention that path is a different comparing to Linux – here \ are used. . is indicating the current folder, .ssh means that this folder is hidden, id_ed25519 – is the name of our private key.
thousandeyes@192.168.100.27 – you should use username ‘thousandeyes’ to access TEVA.
And that's all there is to it!
If you have any issues with ThousandEyes tests - open a chat with ThousandEyes Customer Support, we're happy to help. This article covers all the basics of getting in touch with us in only a few seconds.
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