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SSH MCP Server

Essential MCP to ATC (Awesome Tool Collection) Python Bridge

Installation

Add the following to your MCP client configuration file.

Configuration

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "8bit-wraith-mcp": {
      "command": "mcp-ssh-server",
      "args": []
    }
  }
}

Essential MCP provides a framework and runtime for secure remote command execution with rich context and tooling capabilities. It enables persistent sessions, multi-tool orchestration, semantic context handling, and real-time updates to help you build context-aware AI-human workflows with reliable, observable behavior.

How to use

You will run the MCP SSH server to enable secure remote command execution with persistent sessions. Start the server after installation, then connect using a standard SSH client. Use the SSH server to spawn sessions, switch between windows, and share sessions across collaborators. You can leverage the integrated tool collection and context system to discover and execute tools within the same session, while keeping context preserved across actions.

How to install

Prerequisites you need before installation:

Node.js 18+
Python 3.11+ (optional for Python-based tools)
Docker (for containerized services like Qdrant)
pnpm (for Node.js package management)
Poetry (for Python package management)

Follow these concrete steps to install the SSH server and get the MCP environment running.

# Install the SSH server globally
npm install -g @essential-mcp/server-enhanced-ssh

# Create config directory
mkdir -p ~/.mcp/ssh/config

# Generate SSH host keys
ssh-keygen -t rsa -f ~/.mcp/ssh/config/ssh_host_rsa_key -N ""

# Start the server
mcp-ssh-server

Additional sections

Configuration and usage notes help you tailor MCP to your environment and ensure reliable operation.

Starting and connecting to the SSH server is typically done after you have installed the server package. The default SSH server port is 6480, and you will use a standard SSH client to connect to localhost on that port. You will benefit from persistent TMUX sessions, multi-window support, session sharing, and smart session recovery, which together provide a powerful remote command execution experience.

Troubleshooting common issues includes checking for port conflicts and verifying that the MCP services are running. Use the provided management scripts to check status, run doctors, or perform a full start/stop cycle. If you need help, join the project’s support channels and share your logs to get rapid assistance.

Available tools

server-enhanced-ssh

A powerful SSH server enabling secure remote command execution with persistent TMUX sessions, multi-window support, and session sharing.

ATC

A Python-powered API serving as the central hub for tools with plugin-based architecture, real-time WebSocket communication, and context-aware execution.

Context System

Unified context management with types such as TEST, TOOL, PARTICIPANT, FEELING, CONVERSATION, and SYSTEM, plus smart model management and embedding support.

Qdrant

Vector storage and semantic search integration for fast similarity search and context relationships.

ToF System

Test or Forget system that preserves context across tests and detects context loss with real-time insights.

SSE

Server-Sent Events for real-time updates on tool runs, system status, and logs.