reComputer RK Network Connection and Remote Access

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Connect your reComputer RK3576 or RK3588 to the network, log in from another computer over SSH, and copy files with MobaXterm's SFTP browser.

Before you begin

Complete Armbian first-boot setup and keep your Linux username and password available. Run network-configuration commands on the reComputer. Run SSH client commands on the computer you use to connect. Wi-Fi requires a detected wireless interface; the nmcli examples require NetworkManager.

Network connection

Wired network connection

Connect an Ethernet port on the reComputer to a router or switch. On a network with DHCP, the device obtains an address automatically. Keep this connection while setting up Wi-Fi if you need SSH access.

Wireless WiFi connection

Graphical desktop (GUI)

You can choose to configure WiFi through a graphical desktop or command-line tools. If you have a monitor connected and are in a desktop environment, this is the most intuitive way to configure it.

  1. Open the network menu from the desktop panel.
  2. Select your Wi-Fi network.
  3. Enter its password and select Connect.

Command Line (nmcli)

If you operate via SSH or serial terminal, you can configure it using NetworkManager's command-line tools.

Commonly used operation cheat sheet
FunctionCommandDescription
Scan WiFinmcli device wifi listList all available hotspots nearby
Connect to WiFinmcli device wifi connect "SSID" password "PWD"Replace SSID and PWD with actuals
Check statusnmcli connection showDisplays all current network connections
Disconnectnmcli connection down <connection_name>Disconnect the specified network
Example of operation

Step 1: Scan for available WiFi

bash
sudo nmcli device wifi list

Example output:

bash
IN-USE  BSSID              SSID                   MODE   CHAN  RATE        SIGNAL  BARS  SECURITY
*       B6:3C:4A:96:F9:9A  thnsxm111              Infra  1     130 Mbit/s  100     ▂▄▆█  WPA2
        5A:B4:BB:D3:B8:CE  --                     Infra  1     130 Mbit/s  100     ▂▄▆█  WPA2 WPA3
        5A:B4:BB:F3:B8:CE  SEEED-Guest            Infra  1     130 Mbit/s  100     ▂▄▆█  WPA1 WPA2
        E8:3F:67:C9:C1:F4  Sensor_Network_2.4G    Infra  6     130 Mbit/s  100     ▂▄▆█  WPA1 WPA2

Step 2: Connect to WiFi Replace YOUR_SSID and YOUR_WIFI_PASSWORD with your network details:

bash
sudo nmcli device wifi connect "YOUR_SSID" password "YOUR_WIFI_PASSWORD"

After a successful connection, you'll be prompted: Device 'wlan0' successfully activated with '...'

Advanced configuration

Use a static address only when you know the correct subnet, gateway, DNS servers, and an unused address for your network. The values below are examples; replace all of them and use your actual NetworkManager connection name. Reconnecting an interface can disconnect your SSH session, so keep local access available.

bash
# 1. Modify connection configuration (Assuming connection name is "Wired connection 1")
nmcli con mod "Wired connection 1" ipv4.addresses 192.168.1.100/24
nmcli con mod "Wired connection 1" ipv4.gateway 192.168.1.1
nmcli con mod "Wired connection 1" ipv4.dns "8.8.8.8 114.114.114.114"
nmcli con mod "Wired connection 1" ipv4.method manual

# 2. Restart the connection to apply settings
nmcli con up "Wired connection 1"

Remote login guide (SSH)

Hardware: reComputer RK3576 / RK3588 Operating System: Debian 12 This guide provides instructions on how to access your reComputer remotely using the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol.

Prerequisites

  • The reComputer must be powered on and connected to the same Local Area Network (LAN) as your primary computer.
  • An Ethernet connection is recommended for initial setup to ensure stability.

Identify the Device IP Address

You need the IP address of the reComputer to establish a connection.

  • Via Local Terminal: If you have a monitor and keyboard connected to the reComputer, run:
bash
hostname -I
  • Via Router Dashboard: Access your router's web interface and look for a device named recomputer or similar in the DHCP client list.

Connection Methods

Option A: Windows (PowerShell or Command Prompt) Modern Windows versions include a built-in SSH client.

  1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
  2. Run the command below, replacing YOUR_USERNAME with your Linux user and DEVICE_IP with the address found above:
bash
ssh YOUR_USERNAME@DEVICE_IP
  1. Check that you are connecting to the intended device, then confirm its host key on the first connection.
  2. Enter the password you set during first-boot setup. Characters do not appear while you type.

Option B: Linux / macOS Terminal Open your native terminal and run:

bash
ssh YOUR_USERNAME@DEVICE_IP

Option C: Professional Tools (Recommended) For a more robust development environment, consider:

  • MobaXterm: Features a built-in SFTP sidebar for easy file dragging.

Troubleshooting

  • Connection Refused: Ensure the SSH service is active on the reComputer. You can check this locally by running:
bash
sudo systemctl status ssh
  • Firewall Issues: If the service is running but blocked, allow port 22 through the firewall:
bash
sudo ufw allow 22
  • Host Key Verification Failed: First confirm that the device was reflashed or its host key intentionally changed. Then remove the old entry on your computer, replacing <Your_Device_IP> with its address:
bash
ssh-keygen -R <Your_Device_IP>

File Transfer Guide (MobaXterm SFTP)

  • Device: reComputer RK3576 / RK3588
  • OS: Debian 12
  • Core Tool: MobaXterm(Built-in SFTP Sidebar)

Interface Overview

Once you have successfully logged in via SSH, MobaXterm will automatically open an SFTP tab on the left side of the interface.

  • Left Panel: Displays the file system on the reComputer (Remote).
  • Right Panel: Your terminal command-line window.

Transfer Operations

Upload

  • Drag & Drop: Simply select files from your Windows folder and drag them into the SFTP panel on the left.
  • Upload Button: Click the blue up-arrow icon above the left panel to select and upload files from your PC.

Download

  • Drag & Drop: Select files in the left panel and drag them out to your Windows desktop or folder.
  • Right-click, or select the "Download" button at the top: Right-click the file and select Download.

Advanced Features

  • Live Edit
    • Operation: Double-click a text file in the left panel (or right-click and select Open with default text editor).
    • Sync: Edit and save; MobaXterm will prompt you to sync changes back to the reComputer. Click Yes.
  • Quick Navigation
    • Click the "Follow terminal path" icon (yellow square) to sync the SFTP view with your terminal's current directory (cd).

Important Notes

  • Permissions: Upload to your own home directory. /home/seeed is the example path for a user named seeed; use your actual username.
  • System Files: To edit system files (e.g., in /etc/), upload to /home/seeed first, then use sudo mv in the terminal.
  • Reconnection: If the SFTP panel becomes unresponsive, click the Refresh button to resync.