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Logging into AI-LAB

This guide will help you connect to AI-LAB using SSH (Secure Shell). SSH is a secure way to access remote computers over a network.

Understanding AI-LAB Access

AI-LAB has two front-end nodes that act as entry points:

  • ailab-fe01.srv.aau.dk
  • ailab-fe02.srv.aau.dk

You can connect to either node - they provide the same functionality.

Basic SSH Connection

Step 1: Open Your Terminal

  • Open PowerShell (recommended)
  • Open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities)
  • Open your preferred terminal application

Step 2: Connect to AI-LAB

Run one of these commands (replace user@student.aau.dk with your actual AAU email address):

ssh -l user@student.aau.dk ailab-fe01.srv.aau.dk

or

ssh -l user@student.aau.dk ailab-fe02.srv.aau.dk

Step 3: First-Time Connection

The first time you connect, you'll see a security message like this:

The authenticity of host 'ailab-fe01.srv.aau.dk (172.21.131.1300)' can't be established.
ED25519 key fingerprint is SHA256:xosJtOSfQyyW16c6RtpN8tAi/91XHCR3GxM9/KJEogg.
This key is not known by any other names.
Are you sure you want to continue connecting (yes/no/[fingerprint])?

Type yes and press Enter to proceed. This adds AI-LAB to your list of trusted hosts.

Step 4: Enter Your Password

When prompted, enter your AAU password. Important: You won't see any characters (like ***) as you type - this is normal for security reasons.

Step 5: Success!

When you see a prompt like this, you're successfully logged in:

user@student.aau.dk@ailab-fe01:~$

This means you're now connected to AI-LAB and ready to start working!

Typing the full server addresses every time can be tedious. You can create shortcuts to make logging in much easier.

Step 1: Create or update SSH Config File

  • Navigate to C:\Users\[YOUR_USERNAME]\.ssh\
  • Create or update a file called config (no extension)
  • Navigate to ~/.ssh/ in your terminal
  • Create or update a file called config: touch config

Step 2: Add AI-LAB Shortcuts

Open the config file in a text editor and add these shortcuts (replace user@student.aau.dk with your actual email):

~/.ssh/config
# AI-LAB login nodes
Host ailab-1
    HostName ailab-fe01.srv.aau.dk
    User user@student.aau.dk

Host ailab-2
    HostName ailab-fe02.srv.aau.dk
    User user@student.aau.dk

# AI-LAB via SSH Gateway (for off-campus access)
# For this to work, you need to have set up AAU MFA (https://www.its.aau.dk/vejledninger/mfa)
Host ailab-vpn
    HostName ailab-fe01.srv.aau.dk
    User user@student.aau.dk
    ProxyJump user@student.aau.dk@sshgw.aau.dk

Step 3: Test Your Shortcuts

Save the file and test your new shortcuts:

ssh ailab-1
ssh ailab-2
ssh ailab-vpn  # Connect via VPN (off-campus) # For this to work, you need to have set up AAU MFA (https://www.its.aau.dk/vejledninger/mfa)

Now you can log in with just ssh ailab-1 instead of the full command!

Troubleshooting

Connection refused" or "Host unreachable
  • Check your network: Ensure you're connected to AAU Wi-Fi or VPN
  • Try the other node: Switch between ailab-1 and ailab-2
Permission denied (publickey,password)
  • Check your email: Make sure you're using your correct AAU email address
  • Verify password: Ensure you're entering your AAU password correctly
Windows-specific Issues

If SSH command is not recognized:

If you can't create the .ssh folder:

  • Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\[YOUR_USERNAME]\
  • Create a new folder named .ssh (with the dot)
  • Create the config file inside this folder
Connection Timeouts
  • Check VPN: If off-campus, ensure VPN is connected and working
  • Antivirus: Some Antivirus software block SSH - try disabling your Antivirus momentarily

You are now ready to proceed to learn about file handling