MCP SSH Docker Server
@aweher
MCP server to play with IA and containerlab instances
Overview
What is MCP SSH Docker Server?
MCP SSH Docker Server is a Message Control Protocol (MCP) server that enables SSH and Docker command execution on remote systems and containers. It provides a standardized interface for operators and developers to run commands, stream output, and handle long-running tasks.
How to use MCP SSH Docker Server?
Install via pip install mcp-ssh-frr or from source, then configure SSH environment variables (SSH_HOST, SSH_USER, SSH_PORT) and place your private key in ./config/id_rsa. Start the server with python mcp_ssh_docker_server.py and use the ssh_exec and ssh_exec_docker tools with the required arguments.
Key features of MCP SSH Docker Server?
- SSH command execution on remote systems
- Docker container command execution
- Real-time output streaming with progress updates
- Structured JSON output support
- Command cancellation and configurable timeouts
Use cases of MCP SSH Docker Server?
- Execute shell commands on a remote server via MCP
- Run commands inside a specific Docker container
- Automate network device configuration (e.g., vtysh)
- Monitor long-running commands with streaming and progress
- Integrate with MCP-based AI agents for remote operations
FAQ from MCP SSH Docker Server
What authentication method does MCP SSH Docker Server use?
It uses SSH key‑based authentication; place your private key in ./config/id_rsa and add the public key to the remote host’s authorized_keys.
What are the default timeout values?
SSH connection timeout is 10 seconds, command execution timeout is 30 seconds, and stream maximum time is 300 seconds (5 minutes).
Can I get output in JSON format?
Yes, set the structured_output argument to true in either ssh_exec or ssh_exec_docker to receive a JSON response with exit code, stdout, stderr, duration, and metadata.
How do I list available Docker containers?
Call ssh_exec_docker with the argument "list_containers": true; it will return a list of containers on the remote host.
What are the runtime requirements for MCP SSH Docker Server?
Python 3.7+, SSH access to the target system, and Docker installed on the target system if you intend to use Docker commands.