Terminal access overview
Websh is Alpacon’s web-based terminal solution that allows you to remotely access servers and execute commands in real time via a web browser. No complex installation required—just open your browser and start working.
What is Websh?
Websh provides secure, browser-based terminal access to your servers without requiring SSH clients or additional software. It’s designed for modern cloud and hybrid infrastructure management.
Key features
1. Real-time terminal connection
- Execute commands and view results directly in browser
- Fast, reliable data transmission through WebSocket
- Communication relayed through reverse proxy architecture
- Separation between clients and backend systems
2. Session management
- Create, persist, terminate, and reconnect to sessions
- Sessions recover automatically after network interruptions
- Session persistence by default:
- Sessions remain active for configured timeout period
- Survive browser tab closes and network changes
- Resume work seamlessly after laptop sleep or network switching
- More reliable than traditional SSH environments
3. Session sharing
- Share sessions with other users via authentication
- Read-only mode for safe collaborative access
- No command execution in shared read-only sessions
- Perfect for training, debugging, and demonstrations
4. Security-first architecture
- User authentication and role-based access control
- Minimal data processing policy
- Auto-disposal of sensitive session data
- Protection through read-only session mode
- WebSocket encryption via TLS
- Reverse proxy shields internal server details
5. Personalized environment
- Theme customization (light/dark modes)
- Font size adjustment
- UI settings tailored to preferences
- Custom keyboard shortcuts
Security architecture
Websh prioritizes security in every layer:
User authentication:
- Only authenticated workspace members can access
- Integration with workspace IAM
- Group-based server access control
Read-only mode:
- Share sessions without execution permissions
- Safe collaboration for sensitive environments
- Audit all shared session activities
Minimal data handling:
- Only essential authentication and session data stored
- Unnecessary data discarded immediately after use
- No command history stored server-side
Encrypted communication:
- All traffic encrypted via TLS-secured WebSocket
- End-to-end protection for sensitive data
- Secure relay through reverse proxy
Reverse proxy architecture:
- External traffic safely mediated
- Internal server details shielded
- Centralized authentication and routing
Advantages
| Category | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Convenience | No installation; browser-based remote access from anywhere |
| Productivity | Session recovery, multi-user access, real-time collaboration |
| Security | Encrypted communication, role-based control, data minimization |
| Reliability | Persistent sessions survive disconnections and interruptions |
What you can do with Websh
Server management:
- Monitor remote server status in real time
- Execute CLI-based commands
- Automate administrative tasks
- Install and configure software
Collaboration:
- Share sessions with team members
- Provide read-only access for training
- Debug issues together in real time
- Demonstrate procedures safely
Development:
- Access development servers instantly
- Test and deploy applications
- Monitor logs and processes
- Run build and deployment scripts
Operations:
- Troubleshoot server issues
- Perform emergency maintenance
- Review system logs
- Execute operational runbooks
Getting started
Ready to start using Websh?