Setup SSH Key authentication between linux (ESX) servers

Instructions: Generate public/private dsa key pair.: #ssh-keygen –t dsa       Accept default file location and specify no passphrase The files id_dsa and id_dsa.pub are created in the  /root/.ssh directory (you can verify wit ls -la) Copy the .pub file into the file authorized_keys: #cp id_dsa.pub authorized_keys run #ssh YourServername     Accept the key in the dialog An entry for your server will be added to the file /root/.ssh/known_hosts is In the case you move or rename servers you should delete this entry from the file For verification run #ssh YourServername again. You should not be prompted! If are prompted  for a password there is something wrong and the backup scripts will not work! Run above steps also on your remote servers. Copy the public key to all servers with scp. Make sure the remote server is listed in the /etc/hosts file or you have a proper dns resolution. #scp /root/.ssh/id_dsa.pub esx002:/root/.ssh/id_dsa_esx001.pub   Use the servername in the destination file for identification. scp uses the same passwod as ssh On all servers add the public keys to your to the authorized_keys file: #cat id_dsa_esx001.pub >> authorized_keys #cat id_dsa_esx002.pub >> authorized_keys Test the keys by running ssh with the remoteservers name. There shouldn't be any prompt for a password. You can also try to copy some files with scp from one server to another.