qemu-alpine-ssh

SSH access to QEMU Alpine requires three steps: configure host port forwarding when launching QEMU with `-net user,hostfwd=tcp::2222-:22`, install OpenSSH in Alpine using `apk add openssh`, and enable the SSH service with `rc-service sshd start`. Verify connectivity by connecting from the host via `ssh -p 2222 root@localhost`.

Use QEMU's hostfwd parameter: `-net user,hostfwd=tcp::<host_port>-:<guest_port>`. For SSH, map the host port (e.g., 2222) to Alpine's SSH port 22: `hostfwd=tcp::2222-:22`. This allows you to connect via `ssh -p <host_port> root@localhost`.

Troubleshooting involves checking port availability on the host, verifying correct hostfwd syntax in your QEMU command, confirming OpenSSH is installed and running in Alpine, and testing connectivity with SSH client verbose mode. The Skill covers diagnostic workflows including QEMU command verification, Alpine tool checks, and optional automation scripts.

Alpine Linux is a lightweight, efficient choice for QEMU VMs with SSH, but port forwarding itself is a QEMU feature. This Skill specifically guides Alpine SSH setup; Alpine's minimal footprint makes it ideal for portable VMs, but SSH forwarding works with other guest operating systems.

Boot Alpine ISO with QEMU and SSH port forwarding: `qemu-system-x86_64 -cdrom alpine.iso -net user,hostfwd=tcp::2222-:22`. Inside the VM, install and start SSH with `apk add openssh` and `rc-service sshd start`. Connect from the host with `ssh -p 2222 root@localhost`.

Common causes include the SSH service not running in Alpine, incorrect hostfwd syntax in your QEMU command, port conflicts on the host, or the Alpine SSH server not properly configured. Verify the service is active, check port availability, confirm your hostfwd parameter maps correctly, and test with verbose SSH output for detailed error messages.