How to Avoid the SSH Broken Pipe Error

Secure Shell, or SSH, is a robust protocol that many IT professionals and network administrators use daily to establish secure connections to remote systems. It is designed to provide secure remote logins and command execution, but not without its share of problems. One such issue is the SSH Broken Pipe Error. Understanding what this error means and how to avoid it is essential for maintaining uninterrupted, secure communications.

What is the SSH Broken Pipe Error?

The SSH Broken Pipe Error is typically encountered when an SSH session unexpectedly terminates. This is often due to network issues, server timeouts, or unstable connections. When you see this error, it means the SSH client was sending data to the server, but the connection was terminated without the server acknowledging the data receipt. Hence, the data ‘pipe’ was ‘broken.’

Common Causes of SSH Broken Pipe Error

The primary causes for the SSH Broken Pipe Error include:

1. Network Issues: This could be an unstable or lost internet connection, or it could be an issue with a firewall or proxy server.
2. Server Timeouts: Many servers are configured to drop idle connections after a specific time to save resources. If your SSH client remains inactive beyond the server’s timeout setting, the connection may be dropped, causing a broken pipe error.
3. Client Issues: If your SSH client crashes or is closed unexpectedly, it can lead to this error.

Methods to Avoid the SSH Broken Pipe Error

Thankfully, there are a few strategies you can use to avoid encountering the SSH Broken Pipe Error.

1. Keep Your Session Active

Servers often drop connections when they’ve been idle for too long. By keeping your session active, you can avoid this situation. You can do this by occasionally executing commands in the SSH client.

2. Use a Terminal Multiplexer

Tools like screen or tmux can be used to keep sessions active, even when your connection is interrupted. These tools create a persistent session that continues running even if your SSH session is terminated. When you reconnect, you can resume right where you left off.

3. Configure Server and Client Settings

You can configure the SSH Server and Client to prevent disconnections due to inactivity:

1. On the Server Side: Edit the sshd_config file (usually located in /etc/ssh/sshd_config) and change or add the following lines:
   ClientAliveInterval 120 ClientAliveCountMax 720

   1 2	ClientAliveInterval 120 ClientAliveCountMax 720

   The ClientAliveInterval parameter sets a timeout interval in seconds, after which if the server doesn’t receive any data from the client, it sends a message requesting a response. ClientAliveCountMax is the number of these messages the server sends without receiving any messages back from the client. If this limit is reached, the server disconnects the client, hence avoiding a broken pipe.

2. On the Client Side: Edit the ssh_config file (usually located in /etc/ssh/ssh_config or ~/.ssh/config) and change or add the following lines:
   markdown
   Host * ServerAliveInterval 60 ServerAliveCountMax 5

   1 2 3

   Host *     ServerAliveInterval 60     ServerAliveCountMax 5

   Similar to the server settings, the ServerAliveInterval and ServerAliveCountMax settings control how often the client will send keep-alive messages to the server.

4. Use a VPN or Reliable Network

If your network is unstable or prone to interruptions, consider using a VPN or switching to a more reliable network. A VPN can provide a more stable, secure connection, reducing the chance of a broken pipe error.

Conclusion

The SSH Broken Pipe Error can be a frustrating roadblock for network administrators and IT professionals. However, by understanding its causes and implementing these prevention strategies, you can ensure smooth, uninterrupted SSH communications. Always remember to regularly keep your system updated and monitor your network connections to keep such issues at bay.