Remote Connection Management

Remote Connection Management allows you to configure a connection to a secure remote server. Remote connections are configured from the PowerSchool Plugin Console.

When you create a remote connection, it is available to select as a report parameter when generating certain state-specific reports. For more information, see the applicable state reporting guide.

Page permissions determine the options available on the Remote Connection Management page.

Important Note: This feature is currently used for state/provincial reporting to establish a remote connection from your PowerSchool server to a reporting authority. For more information, refer to the reporting guide for your state or province.

Work with Remote Connections

You can create, view, edit, and delete remote connections on the Manage Remote Connections page. PowerSchool page permissions determine the available options on this page, depending on the user ID.

Add a Remote Connection

Enter the information you receive from the host of the remote server on the Remote Connection Management page in order to configure the remote connection.

Note: The remote connection is dependent on the network firewall in order to operate correctly. Be sure your network allows for remote connections before configuring this feature.

1. On the start page, choose System in the main menu. 
2. Click System Settings. 
3. Click Plugin Management Configuration. 
4. Click Remote Connection Manager 
5. Click Remote Connection Manager. 
6. Click Create Connection.

7. Use the following table to enter information in the fields:

   Field	Description
   Name	Enter a name for the connection.
   Description	Enter a description for the connection. This information is only visible on this dialog when viewing existing connections.
   Protocol	Select the format for transferring data from the pop-up menu.
   Allow unsecure ciphers	Do one of the following Select the checkbox to allow PowerSchool to use a larger set of encryption options (ciphers) to communicate with the SFTP server. Deselect the checkbox to allow PowerSchool to use the most secure encryption options (ciphers) to communicate with the SFTP server. This is the more secure option.
   Host	Enter the IP address or server DNS.
   Port	Enter the port number. The default port is 22.
   Authentication Type	Indicate the method by which you want to confirm the identity of users who connect to the network via a remote connection by choosing one of the following: Password Private Key Private/Public Key Private/Public Key with Passphrase
   Username	Enter the username provided by the remote server host.
   Password	If Public Key is selected for Authentication Type, enter the passphrase of the imported key pair. If Password is selected for Authentication Type, enter the password provided by the remote server host.
   Confirm Password	Re-enter the password to confirm.
   Test Connection	Click to assure that the remote connection is configured correctly and established a connection to the server.
   Finger Print	This security information is populated when you accept the host key and a successful connection is established with the remote server. To enter a host key received via secure email or another communication method, click the hyperlink to display the Host Key field.
   Host Key	Click the Finger Print hyperlink to display this field. Copy and paste the host key information received from the remote host via secure email or another communication method into this field. Once the information is entered in the field, click Test Connection again to verify the server security.
   Remote Path	Leave this field blank in order for the PowerSchool report to automatically detect the correct folder path unless you are directed to enter a folder path manually.
   Allow Download	Select the checkbox to allow downloads from the remote connection.
   Allow Upload	Select the checkbox to allow uploads to the server from PowerSchool.

8. Click Submit. The Create Connection dialog closes.

Edit a Remote Connection

You can only edit a remote connection if you have permissions assigned to do so.

1. On the start page, choose System in the main menu. 
2. Click System Settings. 
3. Click Plugin Management Configuration. 
4. Click Remote Connection Manager 
5. Click Remote Connection Manager. 
6. Click the remote connection you want to edit. Edit information as needed. For field descriptions, see How to Add a Remote Connection.
7. Click Submit.

Delete a Remote Connection

1. On the start page, choose System in the main menu.
2. Click System Settings. 
3. Click Plugin Management Configuration. 
4. Click Remote Connection Manager 
5. Click Remote Connection Manager. 
6. Click the remote connection you want to delete. 
7. Click Delete. 
8. Click Confirm Delete.