SSH Connection Reset by Peer: Trace the Failure Before Changing Config
An SSH connection that resets is different from one that is refused or simply times out. The TCP connection may have started successfully, only for the server—or something between you and it—to terminate it before you reach a password or key prompt. That timing matters. Changing SSH keys won't fix a connection that never reached authentication. Start by finding where the connection stops, then…
An SSH connection that resets is not the same as one that is refused or simply times out. The server or something between you and the server might terminate the connection before you reach a password or key prompt. To trace the failure, first identify where the connection stops by checking for specific error messages such as "ssh_exchange_identification: read: Connection reset by peer".
Then verify if the TCP port can be reached using tools like 'nc' or PowerShell's 'Test-NetConnection'. Check the server's SSH service and logs for any signs of issues. Look for bans or connection limits that might have blocked your client IP. Lastly, test different networks and inspect devices in the network path.
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