SSH access to Purdue AF¶

Although the web-based JupyterLab interface is the recommended way to access Purdue AF, it is also possible to connect to your session from a terminal via SSH.

JupyterHub API token¶

SSH, local IDEs, and AI agents on your own machine authenticate to Purdue AF with a JupyterHub API token. To obtain one, open https://cms.geddes.rcac.purdue.edu/hub/token (or, in JupyterLab, go to File → Hub Control Panel and click the Token tab), then click Request new API token and copy the token string.

Instructions¶

1. Start an AF session in the normal way

   In a web browser, log in to Purdue AF and start a session.

2. Obtain a JupyterHub API token — you will need it in the next step.

3. Log in to your session from an external terminal

   ssh <username>@jupyterhub-ssh.cms.geddes.rcac.purdue.edu
   

   • If you are using a CERN or FNAL account, remember that your username must include the -cern or -fnal suffix, respectively — see Login methods and usernames.
   • Instead of a password, paste the token obtained in the previous step.

4. (Optional) Set up an alias in .bashrc

   By adding the following line to ~/.bashrc or ~/.bash_profile on your local machine, you can avoid copy-pasting the token every time. Note: you will need the sshpass utility installed on the local machine.

   alias purdue-af='sshpass -p <token> ssh <username>@jupyterhub-ssh.cms.geddes.rcac.purdue.edu'
   

   Now simply running the purdue-af command will immediately connect you to Purdue AF, provided that you have already started a session.

Caveats¶