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[Unit]
Description=AutoSSH service
After=network.target

[Service]
Type=simple
User=user
Group=group
Environment="AUTOSSH_GATETIME=0"
ExecStart=/usr/bin/autossh -N -M 0 -o "ServerAliveInterval 30" -o "ServerAliveCountMax 3" -L %i:localhost:%i user@remote

[Install]
WantedBy=multi-user.target

A systemd service script for autossh port tunelling.

Run with systemctl start autossh@yourport

Don't forget to edit the file (user, group, remote host and remote user). This script assumes that you use public/private ssh key pairs, so that you don't have to handle passwords and this can be used automatically. Read about ssh key pairs here

Field-tested by me, but don't take my word for it and double-check the script and your configuration.

More info

• AutoSSH (Arch wiki)
• AutoSSH (man-pages)

Notes

• This script uses the same port in and out. Change this to your needs.
• Read about securing your ssh environment here
• You can force ssh to use IPV4 by adding -- -4 at the end of the ExecStart command