Meridian Studio

Start here

Copy the VPS details from your provider

Keep the provider page open. Studio only needs the server IP, SSH username, SSH port, and the first-login password if the server does not already have your SSH key.

Start Local Studio for the guided path

This page can prepare commands, but saving servers, checking SSH, installing keys, and deploying need the localhost Engine from meridian studio.

Public IP 198.51.100.10 The internet-facing server address.

SSH user root or ubuntu The Linux login name from the provider.

SSH port 22 Use the provider value if it is different.

First password Used once Only needed to install a key in Local Studio.

Quick answers

What is a VPS?

A small rented Linux server. Meridian connects to it by SSH and installs VPN services there.

What is a public IP?

The internet-facing address for the server. Examples use addresses like 198.51.100.10.

What if I only have a password?

That is enough for Local Studio. It can use the password once to install a safer SSH key.

Connection details

Paste the SSH command from your VPS provider

Studio fills the technical fields from the command. Give the server a friendly title so you can recognize it later.

Paste SSH command Look for a command like this in your provider dashboard or welcome email. Server title Use a name you will recognize later, such as Family VPN or London VPS.

I do not have an SSH command

Enter the same details manually. They are usually shown as IP address, username, and port.

Public IP Use the public internet address from the VPS provider. SSH username Common values are root, ubuntu, debian, or admin. SSH port Use 22 unless the provider gave you a different port.

SSH check

Confirm Meridian can reach the server

This validation does not deploy anything. It checks reachability, authentication, and whether sudo works.

Local Studio

Runs the validation here and returns friendly next steps if something is wrong.

Static fallback

Copies the manual SSH command so you can test the same connection in Terminal.

Troubleshooting

What does SSH validation mean?

Studio tries a normal SSH connection and a harmless sudo check. It does not deploy anything.

What if it says permission denied?

The server probably needs key setup, or the username/password differs from the provider page.

What if the port is closed?

Check the provider firewall and confirm the SSH port. Most servers use port 22.

Secure access

Use the password once, then use a key

A private key stays on this computer. Its public key is installed on the server and verified immediately.

Private key This computer Secret. Never pasted or uploaded.

Public key Your VPS Safe to install on the server.

One-time SSH password Ask deploy to disable password SSH later Advanced safety setting for deploy hardening. Key setup verifies access first; deploy performs SSH hardening later.

Recommended

Generate a Meridian key, install its public half, then verify key login.

Manual fallback

Copy the standard command if you prefer to do key setup in Terminal.

Key basics

What is the private key?

The secret half of SSH login. It stays on your computer and must not be pasted into websites.

What is the public key?

The safe half that goes on the server. It lets the server recognize your private key later.

Safe defaults

Choose what the first setup should create

Start with the recommended options. Advanced camouflage and routing stay available in the command sheet.

Connection page name First client name

Harden SSH and firewall Recommended for a new VPS. It may be too strict if the server already hosts other services. Block RU traffic Blocks RU destinations on this server. Use route policy later when you want RU traffic to exit through a regional server instead.

Advanced deploy settings

Camouflage target Domain Color palette Icon Post-quantum encryption Experimental. Keep off unless you specifically want to test it. Cloudflare WARP Routes outbound server traffic through WARP. Useful for some networks, unnecessary for most first installs.

Confirmation boundary

Review what Meridian will change

Key setup may have installed a public SSH key already. VPN services, firewall changes, and SSH hardening wait for this deploy review.

I reviewed this and want Meridian to change the server.

Evidence

Progress and result

Run a dry-run or deploy to see operation evidence here.

Set up your VPN server