Remote Access¶

Manage your gaming handheld remotely via SSH, VPN, or remote desktop.

SSH¶

Secure shell access for command-line management.

Why SSH?¶

• Transfer files with scp or rsync
• Run commands remotely
• Manage your device without physical access
• Automate tasks with scripts

Setup¶

install_ssh: true
ssh_generate_key: true
ssh_add_to_github: true
ssh_import_authorized_keys: true
ssh_authorized_keys:
  - "desktop.pub"
  - "laptop.pub"

install_ssh: true
ssh_server_enable: true
ssh_generate_key: true
ssh_add_to_github: true
ssh_import_authorized_keys: true
ssh_authorized_keys:
  - "desktop.pub"
  - "laptop.pub"

Managing SSH Keys¶

Place public keys in your private repo:

private/
└── ssh-keys/
    ├── desktop.pub
    ├── laptop.pub
    └── phone.pub

Then reference them in your config to authorize access.

Connecting¶

Once SSH is enabled:

# Steam Deck (default user: deck)
ssh deck@192.168.1.100

# ROG Ally (your Windows username)
ssh username@192.168.1.101

Security Best Practices¶

1. Use key authentication - Disable password auth
2. Change default port - ssh_port: 2222
3. Use Tailscale - Instead of exposing ports
4. Limit authorized keys - Only add trusted devices

Tailscale¶

Zero-config mesh VPN for secure access from anywhere.

What is Tailscale?¶

Tailscale creates an encrypted network between your devices:

• No port forwarding needed
• Works through firewalls and NAT
• Each device gets a stable IP (100.x.x.x)
• Free for personal use (up to 100 devices)

Setup¶

install_tailscale: true

install_tailscale: true

First-Time Setup¶

After Bootible runs:

# Authenticate with Tailscale
tailscale up

# Follow the URL to log in

On Windows, use the Tailscale tray app.

Using Tailscale¶

Once connected, access your device from anywhere:

# SSH via Tailscale IP
ssh deck@100.64.1.2

# Or use the device name
ssh deck@steamdeck

Tailscale Control (Steam Deck)¶

Enable the Decky plugin to control Tailscale from Gaming Mode:

decky_plugins:
  tailscale_control:
    enabled: true

Benefits Over Port Forwarding¶

Remote Desktop¶

Graphical access to your device.

Steam Deck: Sunshine¶

Stream your Deck's desktop to another device:

install_remote_desktop: true
install_sunshine: true

Then connect with Moonlight from any device.

ROG Ally: RDP¶

Enable Windows Remote Desktop:

enable_rdp: true

Connect using any RDP client:

mstsc /v:192.168.1.101

Cross-Platform Options¶

# Enable on both platforms
install_anydesk: true
# or
install_rustdesk: true

File Transfer¶

SCP (SSH)¶

# Copy file to Steam Deck
scp game.rom deck@100.64.1.2:~/Emulation/roms/

# Copy from Steam Deck
scp deck@100.64.1.2:~/screenshot.png ./

Rsync (SSH)¶

Better for large transfers or syncing:

# Sync ROMs folder
rsync -avz ~/ROMs/ deck@100.64.1.2:~/Emulation/roms/

Windows Shared Folders¶

On ROG Ally, share a folder:

1. Right-click folder > Properties > Sharing
2. Enable sharing
3. Access from other Windows PCs via \\hostname\share

Syncthing¶

Automatic file sync between devices:

install_syncthing: true

Great for syncing save files, screenshots, or configs.

Wake on LAN¶

Wake your device remotely (if supported).

Requirements¶

• Device connected via Ethernet (or WiFi with WoL support)
• BIOS/UEFI setting enabled
• MAC address of device

Setup¶

1. Enable WoL in BIOS/UEFI
2. Note your device's MAC address
3. Use a WoL app or command to wake

Using Tailscale for WoL¶

Tailscale doesn't support WoL directly, but you can:

1. Keep a low-power device always on (Raspberry Pi)
2. SSH to that device
3. Send WoL packet from there

Security Considerations¶

Network Exposure¶

Recommendations¶

1. Use Tailscale for remote access - no exposed ports
2. Key-based SSH auth - no passwords to guess
3. Firewall rules - limit what can connect
4. Strong passwords - if you must use password auth
5. Regular updates - keep Bootible and OS updated

Quick Reference¶

Find Device IP¶

hostname -I

ipconfig

Test SSH Connection¶

ssh -v user@hostname

Check Tailscale Status¶

tailscale status