diff --git a/src/app/_components/SSHKeyInput.tsx b/src/app/_components/SSHKeyInput.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fb70f22
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/app/_components/SSHKeyInput.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,191 @@
+'use client';
+
+import { useState, useRef } from 'react';
+import { Button } from './ui/button';
+
+interface SSHKeyInputProps {
+  value: string;
+  onChange: (value: string) => void;
+  onError?: (error: string) => void;
+  disabled?: boolean;
+}
+
+export function SSHKeyInput({ value, onChange, onError, disabled = false }: SSHKeyInputProps) {
+  const [inputMode, setInputMode] = useState<'upload' | 'paste'>('upload');
+  const [isDragOver, setIsDragOver] = useState(false);
+  const fileInputRef = useRef<HTMLInputElement>(null);
+
+  const validateSSHKey = (keyContent: string): boolean => {
+    const trimmed = keyContent.trim();
+    return (
+      trimmed.includes('BEGIN') &&
+      trimmed.includes('PRIVATE KEY') &&
+      trimmed.includes('END') &&
+      trimmed.includes('PRIVATE KEY')
+    );
+  };
+
+  const handleFileUpload = (file: File) => {
+    if (!file) return;
+
+    const reader = new FileReader();
+    reader.onload = (e) => {
+      const content = e.target?.result as string;
+      if (validateSSHKey(content)) {
+        onChange(content);
+        onError?.('');
+      } else {
+        onError?.('Invalid SSH key format. Please ensure the file contains a valid private key.');
+      }
+    };
+    reader.onerror = () => {
+      onError?.('Failed to read the file. Please try again.');
+    };
+    reader.readAsText(file);
+  };
+
+  const handleFileSelect = (event: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLInputElement>) => {
+    const file = event.target.files?.[0];
+    if (file) {
+      handleFileUpload(file);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleDragOver = (event: React.DragEvent) => {
+    event.preventDefault();
+    setIsDragOver(true);
+  };
+
+  const handleDragLeave = (event: React.DragEvent) => {
+    event.preventDefault();
+    setIsDragOver(false);
+  };
+
+  const handleDrop = (event: React.DragEvent) => {
+    event.preventDefault();
+    setIsDragOver(false);
+    
+    const file = event.dataTransfer.files[0];
+    if (file) {
+      handleFileUpload(file);
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handlePasteChange = (event: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLTextAreaElement>) => {
+    const content = event.target.value;
+    onChange(content);
+    
+    if (content.trim() && !validateSSHKey(content)) {
+      onError?.('Invalid SSH key format. Please ensure the content is a valid private key.');
+    } else {
+      onError?.('');
+    }
+  };
+
+  const getKeyFingerprint = (keyContent: string): string => {
+    // This is a simplified fingerprint - in a real implementation,
+    // you might want to use a library to generate proper SSH key fingerprints
+    if (!keyContent.trim()) return '';
+    
+    const lines = keyContent.trim().split('\n');
+    const keyLine = lines.find(line => 
+      line.includes('BEGIN') && line.includes('PRIVATE KEY')
+    );
+    
+    if (keyLine) {
+      const keyType = keyLine.includes('RSA') ? 'RSA' : 
+                     keyLine.includes('ED25519') ? 'ED25519' : 
+                     keyLine.includes('ECDSA') ? 'ECDSA' : 'Unknown';
+      return `${keyType} key (${keyContent.length} characters)`;
+    }
+    
+    return 'Unknown key type';
+  };
+
+  return (
+    <div className="space-y-4">
+      {/* Mode Toggle */}
+      <div className="flex space-x-2">
+        <Button
+          type="button"
+          variant={inputMode === 'upload' ? 'default' : 'outline'}
+          size="sm"
+          onClick={() => setInputMode('upload')}
+          disabled={disabled}
+        >
+          Upload File
+        </Button>
+        <Button
+          type="button"
+          variant={inputMode === 'paste' ? 'default' : 'outline'}
+          size="sm"
+          onClick={() => setInputMode('paste')}
+          disabled={disabled}
+        >
+          Paste Key
+        </Button>
+      </div>
+
+      {/* File Upload Mode */}
+      {inputMode === 'upload' && (
+        <div
+          className={`border-2 border-dashed rounded-lg p-6 text-center transition-colors ${
+            isDragOver
+              ? 'border-primary bg-primary/5'
+              : 'border-border hover:border-primary/50'
+          } ${disabled ? 'opacity-50 cursor-not-allowed' : 'cursor-pointer'}`}
+          onDragOver={handleDragOver}
+          onDragLeave={handleDragLeave}
+          onDrop={handleDrop}
+          onClick={() => !disabled && fileInputRef.current?.click()}
+        >
+          <input
+            ref={fileInputRef}
+            type="file"
+            accept=".pem,.key,.id_rsa,.id_ed25519,.id_ecdsa"
+            onChange={handleFileSelect}
+            className="hidden"
+            disabled={disabled}
+          />
+          <div className="space-y-2">
+            <div className="text-lg">📁</div>
+            <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">
+              Drag and drop your SSH private key here, or click to browse
+            </p>
+            <p className="text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+              Supported formats: RSA, ED25519, ECDSA (.pem, .key, .id_rsa, etc.)
+            </p>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Paste Mode */}
+      {inputMode === 'paste' && (
+        <div className="space-y-2">
+          <label className="text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground">
+            Paste your SSH private key:
+          </label>
+          <textarea
+            value={value}
+            onChange={handlePasteChange}
+            placeholder="-----BEGIN OPENSSH PRIVATE KEY-----&#10;b3BlbnNzaC1rZXktdjEAAAAABG5vbmUAAAAEbm9uZQAAAAAAAAABFwAAAAdzc2gtcn...&#10;-----END OPENSSH PRIVATE KEY-----"
+            className="w-full h-32 px-3 py-2 border rounded-md shadow-sm bg-card text-foreground placeholder-muted-foreground focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-ring focus:border-ring font-mono text-xs"
+            disabled={disabled}
+          />
+        </div>
+      )}
+
+      {/* Key Information */}
+      {value && (
+        <div className="p-3 bg-muted rounded-md">
+          <div className="text-sm">
+            <span className="font-medium">Key detected:</span> {getKeyFingerprint(value)}
+          </div>
+          <div className="text-xs text-muted-foreground mt-1">
+            ⚠️ Keep your private keys secure. This key will be stored in the database.
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      )}
+    </div>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/src/app/_components/ServerForm.tsx b/src/app/_components/ServerForm.tsx
index c88d365..d72129c 100644
--- a/src/app/_components/ServerForm.tsx
+++ b/src/app/_components/ServerForm.tsx
@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@
 import { useState } from 'react';
 import type { CreateServerData } from '../../types/server';
 import { Button } from './ui/button';
+import { SSHKeyInput } from './SSHKeyInput';
 
 interface ServerFormProps {
   onSubmit: (data: CreateServerData) => void;
@@ -18,13 +19,18 @@ export function ServerForm({ onSubmit, initialData, isEditing = false, onCancel
       ip: '',
       user: '',
       password: '',
+      auth_type: 'password',
+      ssh_key: '',
+      ssh_key_passphrase: '',
+      ssh_port: 22,
     }
   );
 
-  const [errors, setErrors] = useState<Partial<CreateServerData>>({});
+  const [errors, setErrors] = useState<Partial<Record<keyof CreateServerData, string>>>({});
+  const [sshKeyError, setSshKeyError] = useState<string>('');
 
   const validateForm = (): boolean => {
-    const newErrors: Partial<CreateServerData> = {};
+    const newErrors: Partial<Record<keyof CreateServerData, string>> = {};
 
     if (!formData.name.trim()) {
       newErrors.name = 'Server name is required';
@@ -44,12 +50,36 @@ export function ServerForm({ onSubmit, initialData, isEditing = false, onCancel
       newErrors.user = 'Username is required';
     }
 
-    if (!formData.password.trim()) {
-      newErrors.password = 'Password is required';
+    // Validate SSH port
+    if (formData.ssh_port !== undefined && (formData.ssh_port < 1 || formData.ssh_port > 65535)) {
+      newErrors.ssh_port = 'SSH port must be between 1 and 65535';
+    }
+
+    // Validate authentication based on auth_type
+    const authType = formData.auth_type ?? 'password';
+    
+    if (authType === 'password' || authType === 'both') {
+      if (!formData.password?.trim()) {
+        newErrors.password = 'Password is required for password authentication';
+      }
+    }
+    
+    if (authType === 'key' || authType === 'both') {
+      if (!formData.ssh_key?.trim()) {
+        newErrors.ssh_key = 'SSH key is required for key authentication';
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Check if at least one authentication method is provided
+    if (authType === 'both') {
+      if (!formData.password?.trim() && !formData.ssh_key?.trim()) {
+        newErrors.password = 'At least one authentication method (password or SSH key) is required';
+        newErrors.ssh_key = 'At least one authentication method (password or SSH key) is required';
+      }
     }
 
     setErrors(newErrors);
-    return Object.keys(newErrors).length === 0;
+    return Object.keys(newErrors).length === 0 && !sshKeyError;
   };
 
   const handleSubmit = (e: React.FormEvent) => {
@@ -57,13 +87,22 @@ export function ServerForm({ onSubmit, initialData, isEditing = false, onCancel
     if (validateForm()) {
       onSubmit(formData);
       if (!isEditing) {
-        setFormData({ name: '', ip: '', user: '', password: '' });
+        setFormData({ 
+          name: '', 
+          ip: '', 
+          user: '', 
+          password: '', 
+          auth_type: 'password',
+          ssh_key: '',
+          ssh_key_passphrase: '',
+          ssh_port: 22
+        });
       }
     }
   };
 
   const handleChange = (field: keyof CreateServerData) => (
-    e: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLInputElement>
+    e: React.ChangeEvent<HTMLInputElement | HTMLSelectElement>
   ) => {
     setFormData(prev => ({ ...prev, [field]: e.target.value }));
     // Clear error when user starts typing
@@ -72,8 +111,15 @@ export function ServerForm({ onSubmit, initialData, isEditing = false, onCancel
     }
   };
 
+  const handleSSHKeyChange = (value: string) => {
+    setFormData(prev => ({ ...prev, ssh_key: value }));
+    if (errors.ssh_key) {
+      setErrors(prev => ({ ...prev, ssh_key: undefined }));
+    }
+  };
+
   return (
-    <form onSubmit={handleSubmit} className="space-y-4">
+    <form onSubmit={handleSubmit} className="space-y-6">
       <div className="grid grid-cols-1 sm:grid-cols-2 gap-4">
         <div>
           <label htmlFor="name" className="block text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground mb-1">
@@ -126,14 +172,52 @@ export function ServerForm({ onSubmit, initialData, isEditing = false, onCancel
           {errors.user && <p className="mt-1 text-sm text-destructive">{errors.user}</p>}
         </div>
 
+        <div>
+          <label htmlFor="ssh_port" className="block text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground mb-1">
+            SSH Port
+          </label>
+          <input
+            type="number"
+            id="ssh_port"
+            value={formData.ssh_port ?? 22}
+            onChange={handleChange('ssh_port')}
+            className={`w-full px-3 py-2 border rounded-md shadow-sm bg-card text-foreground placeholder-muted-foreground focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-ring focus:border-ring ${
+              errors.ssh_port ? 'border-destructive' : 'border-border'
+            }`}
+            placeholder="22"
+            min="1"
+            max="65535"
+          />
+          {errors.ssh_port && <p className="mt-1 text-sm text-destructive">{errors.ssh_port}</p>}
+        </div>
+
+        <div>
+          <label htmlFor="auth_type" className="block text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground mb-1">
+            Authentication Type *
+          </label>
+          <select
+            id="auth_type"
+            value={formData.auth_type ?? 'password'}
+            onChange={handleChange('auth_type')}
+            className="w-full px-3 py-2 border rounded-md shadow-sm bg-card text-foreground focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-ring focus:border-ring border-border"
+          >
+            <option value="password">Password Only</option>
+            <option value="key">SSH Key Only</option>
+            <option value="both">Both Password & SSH Key</option>
+          </select>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Password Authentication */}
+      {(formData.auth_type === 'password' || formData.auth_type === 'both') && (
         <div>
           <label htmlFor="password" className="block text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground mb-1">
-            Password *
+            Password {formData.auth_type === 'both' ? '(Optional)' : '*'}
           </label>
           <input
             type="password"
             id="password"
-            value={formData.password}
+            value={formData.password ?? ''}
             onChange={handleChange('password')}
             className={`w-full px-3 py-2 border rounded-md shadow-sm bg-card text-foreground placeholder-muted-foreground focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-ring focus:border-ring ${
               errors.password ? 'border-destructive' : 'border-border'
@@ -142,7 +226,42 @@ export function ServerForm({ onSubmit, initialData, isEditing = false, onCancel
           />
           {errors.password && <p className="mt-1 text-sm text-destructive">{errors.password}</p>}
         </div>
-      </div>
+      )}
+
+      {/* SSH Key Authentication */}
+      {(formData.auth_type === 'key' || formData.auth_type === 'both') && (
+        <div className="space-y-4">
+          <div>
+            <label className="block text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground mb-1">
+              SSH Private Key {formData.auth_type === 'both' ? '(Optional)' : '*'}
+            </label>
+            <SSHKeyInput
+              value={formData.ssh_key ?? ''}
+              onChange={handleSSHKeyChange}
+              onError={setSshKeyError}
+            />
+            {errors.ssh_key && <p className="mt-1 text-sm text-destructive">{errors.ssh_key}</p>}
+            {sshKeyError && <p className="mt-1 text-sm text-destructive">{sshKeyError}</p>}
+          </div>
+
+          <div>
+            <label htmlFor="ssh_key_passphrase" className="block text-sm font-medium text-muted-foreground mb-1">
+              SSH Key Passphrase (Optional)
+            </label>
+            <input
+              type="password"
+              id="ssh_key_passphrase"
+              value={formData.ssh_key_passphrase ?? ''}
+              onChange={handleChange('ssh_key_passphrase')}
+              className="w-full px-3 py-2 border rounded-md shadow-sm bg-card text-foreground placeholder-muted-foreground focus:outline-none focus:ring-2 focus:ring-ring focus:border-ring border-border"
+              placeholder="Enter passphrase for encrypted key"
+            />
+            <p className="mt-1 text-xs text-muted-foreground">
+              Only required if your SSH key is encrypted with a passphrase
+            </p>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      )}
 
       <div className="flex flex-col sm:flex-row justify-end space-y-2 sm:space-y-0 sm:space-x-3 pt-4">
         {isEditing && onCancel && (
diff --git a/src/app/api/servers/[id]/route.ts b/src/app/api/servers/[id]/route.ts
index c1a51d8..1ee896c 100644
--- a/src/app/api/servers/[id]/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/servers/[id]/route.ts
@@ -52,16 +52,55 @@ export async function PUT(
     }
 
     const body = await request.json();
-    const { name, ip, user, password }: CreateServerData = body;
+    const { name, ip, user, password, auth_type, ssh_key, ssh_key_passphrase, ssh_port }: CreateServerData = body;
 
     // Validate required fields
-    if (!name || !ip || !user || !password) {
+    if (!name || !ip || !user) {
       return NextResponse.json(
-        { error: 'Missing required fields' },
+        { error: 'Missing required fields: name, ip, and user are required' },
         { status: 400 }
       );
     }
 
+    // Validate SSH port
+    if (ssh_port !== undefined && (ssh_port < 1 || ssh_port > 65535)) {
+      return NextResponse.json(
+        { error: 'SSH port must be between 1 and 65535' },
+        { status: 400 }
+      );
+    }
+
+    // Validate authentication based on auth_type
+    const authType = auth_type ?? 'password';
+    
+    if (authType === 'password' || authType === 'both') {
+      if (!password?.trim()) {
+        return NextResponse.json(
+          { error: 'Password is required for password authentication' },
+          { status: 400 }
+        );
+      }
+    }
+    
+    if (authType === 'key' || authType === 'both') {
+      if (!ssh_key?.trim()) {
+        return NextResponse.json(
+          { error: 'SSH key is required for key authentication' },
+          { status: 400 }
+        );
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Check if at least one authentication method is provided
+    if (authType === 'both') {
+      if (!password?.trim() && !ssh_key?.trim()) {
+        return NextResponse.json(
+          { error: 'At least one authentication method (password or SSH key) is required' },
+          { status: 400 }
+        );
+      }
+    }
+
     const db = getDatabase();
     
     // Check if server exists
@@ -73,7 +112,16 @@ export async function PUT(
       );
     }
 
-    const result = db.updateServer(id, { name, ip, user, password });
+    const result = db.updateServer(id, { 
+      name, 
+      ip, 
+      user, 
+      password, 
+      auth_type: authType,
+      ssh_key,
+      ssh_key_passphrase,
+      ssh_port: ssh_port ?? 22
+    });
     
     return NextResponse.json(
       { 
diff --git a/src/app/api/servers/route.ts b/src/app/api/servers/route.ts
index 8d0088a..7c6d165 100644
--- a/src/app/api/servers/route.ts
+++ b/src/app/api/servers/route.ts
@@ -20,18 +20,66 @@ export async function GET() {
 export async function POST(request: NextRequest) {
   try {
     const body = await request.json();
-    const { name, ip, user, password }: CreateServerData = body;
+    const { name, ip, user, password, auth_type, ssh_key, ssh_key_passphrase, ssh_port }: CreateServerData = body;
 
     // Validate required fields
-    if (!name || !ip || !user || !password) {
+    if (!name || !ip || !user) {
       return NextResponse.json(
-        { error: 'Missing required fields' },
+        { error: 'Missing required fields: name, ip, and user are required' },
         { status: 400 }
       );
     }
 
+    // Validate SSH port
+    if (ssh_port !== undefined && (ssh_port < 1 || ssh_port > 65535)) {
+      return NextResponse.json(
+        { error: 'SSH port must be between 1 and 65535' },
+        { status: 400 }
+      );
+    }
+
+    // Validate authentication based on auth_type
+    const authType = auth_type ?? 'password';
+    
+    if (authType === 'password' || authType === 'both') {
+      if (!password?.trim()) {
+        return NextResponse.json(
+          { error: 'Password is required for password authentication' },
+          { status: 400 }
+        );
+      }
+    }
+    
+    if (authType === 'key' || authType === 'both') {
+      if (!ssh_key?.trim()) {
+        return NextResponse.json(
+          { error: 'SSH key is required for key authentication' },
+          { status: 400 }
+        );
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Check if at least one authentication method is provided
+    if (authType === 'both') {
+      if (!password?.trim() && !ssh_key?.trim()) {
+        return NextResponse.json(
+          { error: 'At least one authentication method (password or SSH key) is required' },
+          { status: 400 }
+        );
+      }
+    }
+
     const db = getDatabase();
-    const result = db.createServer({ name, ip, user, password });
+    const result = db.createServer({ 
+      name, 
+      ip, 
+      user, 
+      password, 
+      auth_type: authType,
+      ssh_key,
+      ssh_key_passphrase,
+      ssh_port: ssh_port ?? 22
+    });
     
     return NextResponse.json(
       { 
diff --git a/src/server/database.js b/src/server/database.js
index 99e65d3..0aec476 100644
--- a/src/server/database.js
+++ b/src/server/database.js
@@ -16,12 +16,59 @@ class DatabaseService {
         name TEXT NOT NULL UNIQUE,
         ip TEXT NOT NULL,
         user TEXT NOT NULL,
-        password TEXT NOT NULL,
+        password TEXT,
+        auth_type TEXT DEFAULT 'password' CHECK(auth_type IN ('password', 'key', 'both')),
+        ssh_key TEXT,
+        ssh_key_passphrase TEXT,
+        ssh_port INTEGER DEFAULT 22,
         created_at DATETIME DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
         updated_at DATETIME DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
       )
     `);
 
+    // Migration: Add new columns to existing servers table
+    try {
+      this.db.exec(`
+        ALTER TABLE servers ADD COLUMN auth_type TEXT DEFAULT 'password' CHECK(auth_type IN ('password', 'key', 'both'))
+      `);
+    } catch (e) {
+      // Column already exists, ignore error
+    }
+
+    try {
+      this.db.exec(`
+        ALTER TABLE servers ADD COLUMN ssh_key TEXT
+      `);
+    } catch (e) {
+      // Column already exists, ignore error
+    }
+
+    try {
+      this.db.exec(`
+        ALTER TABLE servers ADD COLUMN ssh_key_passphrase TEXT
+      `);
+    } catch (e) {
+      // Column already exists, ignore error
+    }
+
+    try {
+      this.db.exec(`
+        ALTER TABLE servers ADD COLUMN ssh_port INTEGER DEFAULT 22
+      `);
+    } catch (e) {
+      // Column already exists, ignore error
+    }
+
+    // Update existing servers to have auth_type='password' if not set
+    this.db.exec(`
+      UPDATE servers SET auth_type = 'password' WHERE auth_type IS NULL
+    `);
+
+    // Update existing servers to have ssh_port=22 if not set
+    this.db.exec(`
+      UPDATE servers SET ssh_port = 22 WHERE ssh_port IS NULL
+    `);
+
     // Create installed_scripts table if it doesn't exist
     this.db.exec(`
       CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS installed_scripts (
@@ -53,12 +100,12 @@ class DatabaseService {
    * @param {import('../types/server').CreateServerData} serverData
    */
   createServer(serverData) {
-    const { name, ip, user, password } = serverData;
+    const { name, ip, user, password, auth_type, ssh_key, ssh_key_passphrase, ssh_port } = serverData;
     const stmt = this.db.prepare(`
-      INSERT INTO servers (name, ip, user, password) 
-      VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?)
+      INSERT INTO servers (name, ip, user, password, auth_type, ssh_key, ssh_key_passphrase, ssh_port) 
+      VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)
     `);
-    return stmt.run(name, ip, user, password);
+    return stmt.run(name, ip, user, password, auth_type || 'password', ssh_key, ssh_key_passphrase, ssh_port || 22);
   }
 
   getAllServers() {
@@ -79,13 +126,13 @@ class DatabaseService {
    * @param {import('../types/server').CreateServerData} serverData
    */
   updateServer(id, serverData) {
-    const { name, ip, user, password } = serverData;
+    const { name, ip, user, password, auth_type, ssh_key, ssh_key_passphrase, ssh_port } = serverData;
     const stmt = this.db.prepare(`
       UPDATE servers 
-      SET name = ?, ip = ?, user = ?, password = ?
+      SET name = ?, ip = ?, user = ?, password = ?, auth_type = ?, ssh_key = ?, ssh_key_passphrase = ?, ssh_port = ?
       WHERE id = ?
     `);
-    return stmt.run(name, ip, user, password, id);
+    return stmt.run(name, ip, user, password, auth_type || 'password', ssh_key, ssh_key_passphrase, ssh_port || 22, id);
   }
 
   /**
diff --git a/src/server/ssh-execution-service.js b/src/server/ssh-execution-service.js
index e3968bc..0aa2f44 100644
--- a/src/server/ssh-execution-service.js
+++ b/src/server/ssh-execution-service.js
@@ -1,16 +1,131 @@
 import { spawn } from 'child_process';
 import { spawn as ptySpawn } from 'node-pty';
+import { writeFileSync, unlinkSync, chmodSync, mkdtempSync, rmdirSync } from 'fs';
+import { join } from 'path';
+import { tmpdir } from 'os';
 
 
 /**
  * @typedef {Object} Server
  * @property {string} ip - Server IP address
  * @property {string} user - Username
- * @property {string} password - Password
+ * @property {string} [password] - Password (optional)
  * @property {string} name - Server name
+ * @property {string} [auth_type] - Authentication type ('password', 'key', 'both')
+ * @property {string} [ssh_key] - SSH private key content
+ * @property {string} [ssh_key_passphrase] - SSH key passphrase
+ * @property {number} [ssh_port] - SSH port (default: 22)
  */
 
 class SSHExecutionService {
+  /**
+   * Create a temporary SSH key file for authentication
+   * @param {Server} server - Server configuration
+   * @returns {string} Path to temporary key file
+   */
+  createTempKeyFile(server) {
+    const { ssh_key } = server;
+    if (!ssh_key) {
+      throw new Error('SSH key not provided');
+    }
+    
+    const tempDir = mkdtempSync(join(tmpdir(), 'ssh-key-'));
+    const tempKeyPath = join(tempDir, 'private_key');
+    
+    writeFileSync(tempKeyPath, ssh_key);
+    chmodSync(tempKeyPath, 0o600); // Set proper permissions
+    
+    return tempKeyPath;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Build SSH command arguments based on authentication type
+   * @param {Server} server - Server configuration
+   * @param {string|null} [tempKeyPath=null] - Path to temporary key file (if using key auth)
+   * @returns {{command: string, args: string[]}} Command and arguments for SSH
+   */
+  buildSSHCommand(server, tempKeyPath = null) {
+    const { ip, user, password, auth_type = 'password', ssh_key_passphrase, ssh_port = 22 } = server;
+    
+    const baseArgs = [
+      '-t',
+      '-p', ssh_port.toString(),
+      '-o', 'ConnectTimeout=10',
+      '-o', 'StrictHostKeyChecking=no',
+      '-o', 'UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null',
+      '-o', 'LogLevel=ERROR',
+      '-o', 'RequestTTY=yes',
+      '-o', 'SetEnv=TERM=xterm-256color',
+      '-o', 'SetEnv=COLUMNS=120',
+      '-o', 'SetEnv=LINES=30',
+      '-o', 'SetEnv=COLORTERM=truecolor',
+      '-o', 'SetEnv=FORCE_COLOR=1',
+      '-o', 'SetEnv=NO_COLOR=0',
+      '-o', 'SetEnv=CLICOLOR=1',
+      '-o', 'SetEnv=CLICOLOR_FORCE=1'
+    ];
+
+    if (auth_type === 'key') {
+      // SSH key authentication
+      if (tempKeyPath) {
+        baseArgs.push('-i', tempKeyPath);
+        baseArgs.push('-o', 'PasswordAuthentication=no');
+        baseArgs.push('-o', 'PubkeyAuthentication=yes');
+      }
+      
+      if (ssh_key_passphrase) {
+        return {
+          command: 'sshpass',
+          args: ['-P', 'passphrase', '-p', ssh_key_passphrase, 'ssh', ...baseArgs, `${user}@${ip}`]
+        };
+      } else {
+        return {
+          command: 'ssh',
+          args: [...baseArgs, `${user}@${ip}`]
+        };
+      }
+    } else if (auth_type === 'both') {
+      // Try SSH key first, then password
+      if (tempKeyPath) {
+        baseArgs.push('-i', tempKeyPath);
+        baseArgs.push('-o', 'PasswordAuthentication=yes');
+        baseArgs.push('-o', 'PubkeyAuthentication=yes');
+        
+        if (ssh_key_passphrase) {
+          return {
+            command: 'sshpass',
+            args: ['-P', 'passphrase', '-p', ssh_key_passphrase, 'ssh', ...baseArgs, `${user}@${ip}`]
+          };
+        } else {
+          return {
+            command: 'ssh',
+            args: [...baseArgs, `${user}@${ip}`]
+          };
+        }
+      } else {
+        // Fallback to password
+        if (password) {
+          return {
+            command: 'sshpass',
+            args: ['-p', password, 'ssh', ...baseArgs, '-o', 'PasswordAuthentication=yes', '-o', 'PubkeyAuthentication=no', `${user}@${ip}`]
+          };
+        } else {
+          throw new Error('Password is required for password authentication');
+        }
+      }
+    } else {
+      // Password authentication (default)
+      if (password) {
+        return {
+          command: 'sshpass',
+          args: ['-p', password, 'ssh', ...baseArgs, '-o', 'PasswordAuthentication=yes', '-o', 'PubkeyAuthentication=no', `${user}@${ip}`]
+        };
+      } else {
+        throw new Error('Password is required for password authentication');
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
   /**
    * Execute a script on a remote server via SSH
    * @param {Server} server - Server configuration
@@ -21,7 +136,8 @@ class SSHExecutionService {
    * @returns {Promise<Object>} Process information
    */
   async executeScript(server, scriptPath, onData, onError, onExit) {
-    const { ip, user, password } = server;
+    /** @type {string|null} */
+    let tempKeyPath = null;
     
     try {
       await this.transferScriptsFolder(server, onData, onError);
@@ -29,46 +145,37 @@ class SSHExecutionService {
       return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
         const relativeScriptPath = scriptPath.startsWith('scripts/') ? scriptPath.substring(8) : scriptPath;
         
-        // Use ptySpawn for proper terminal emulation and color support
-        const sshCommand = ptySpawn('sshpass', [
-          '-p', password,
-          'ssh',
-          '-t',
-          '-o', 'ConnectTimeout=10',
-          '-o', 'StrictHostKeyChecking=no',
-          '-o', 'UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null',
-          '-o', 'LogLevel=ERROR',
-          '-o', 'PasswordAuthentication=yes',
-          '-o', 'PubkeyAuthentication=no',
-          '-o', 'RequestTTY=yes',
-          '-o', 'SetEnv=TERM=xterm-256color',
-          '-o', 'SetEnv=COLUMNS=120',
-          '-o', 'SetEnv=LINES=30',
-          '-o', 'SetEnv=COLORTERM=truecolor',
-          '-o', 'SetEnv=FORCE_COLOR=1',
-          '-o', 'SetEnv=NO_COLOR=0',
-          '-o', 'SetEnv=CLICOLOR=1',
-          '-o', 'SetEnv=CLICOLOR_FORCE=1',
-          `${user}@${ip}`,
-          `cd /tmp/scripts && chmod +x ${relativeScriptPath} && export TERM=xterm-256color && export COLUMNS=120 && export LINES=30 && export COLORTERM=truecolor && export FORCE_COLOR=1 && export NO_COLOR=0 && export CLICOLOR=1 && export CLICOLOR_FORCE=1 && bash ${relativeScriptPath}`
-        ], {
-          name: 'xterm-256color',
-          cols: 120,
-          rows: 30,
-          cwd: process.cwd(),
-          env: {
-            ...process.env,
-            TERM: 'xterm-256color',
-            COLUMNS: '120',
-            LINES: '30',
-            SHELL: '/bin/bash',
-            COLORTERM: 'truecolor',
-            FORCE_COLOR: '1',
-            NO_COLOR: '0',
-            CLICOLOR: '1',
-            CLICOLOR_FORCE: '1'
+        try {
+          // Create temporary key file if using key authentication
+          if (server.auth_type === 'key' || server.auth_type === 'both') {
+            tempKeyPath = this.createTempKeyFile(server);
           }
-        });
+          
+          // Build SSH command based on authentication type
+          const { command, args } = this.buildSSHCommand(server, tempKeyPath);
+          
+          // Add the script execution command to the args
+          args.push(`cd /tmp/scripts && chmod +x ${relativeScriptPath} && export TERM=xterm-256color && export COLUMNS=120 && export LINES=30 && export COLORTERM=truecolor && export FORCE_COLOR=1 && export NO_COLOR=0 && export CLICOLOR=1 && export CLICOLOR_FORCE=1 && bash ${relativeScriptPath}`);
+          
+          // Use ptySpawn for proper terminal emulation and color support
+          const sshCommand = ptySpawn(command, args, {
+            name: 'xterm-256color',
+            cols: 120,
+            rows: 30,
+            cwd: process.cwd(),
+            env: {
+              ...process.env,
+              TERM: 'xterm-256color',
+              COLUMNS: '120',
+              LINES: '30',
+              SHELL: '/bin/bash',
+              COLORTERM: 'truecolor',
+              FORCE_COLOR: '1',
+              NO_COLOR: '0',
+              CLICOLOR: '1',
+              CLICOLOR_FORCE: '1'
+            }
+          });
 
         // Use pty's onData method which handles both stdout and stderr combined
         sshCommand.onData((data) => {
@@ -82,8 +189,34 @@ class SSHExecutionService {
 
         resolve({
           process: sshCommand,
-          kill: () => sshCommand.kill('SIGTERM')
+          kill: () => {
+            sshCommand.kill('SIGTERM');
+            // Clean up temporary key file
+            if (tempKeyPath) {
+              try {
+                unlinkSync(tempKeyPath);
+                const tempDir = tempKeyPath.substring(0, tempKeyPath.lastIndexOf('/'));
+                rmdirSync(tempDir);
+              } catch (cleanupError) {
+                console.warn('Failed to clean up temporary SSH key file:', cleanupError);
+              }
+            }
+          }
         });
+        
+        } catch (error) {
+          // Clean up temporary key file on error
+          if (tempKeyPath) {
+            try {
+              unlinkSync(tempKeyPath);
+              const tempDir = tempKeyPath.substring(0, tempKeyPath.lastIndexOf('/'));
+              rmdirSync(tempDir);
+            } catch (cleanupError) {
+              console.warn('Failed to clean up temporary SSH key file:', cleanupError);
+            }
+          }
+          reject(error);
+        }
       });
     } catch (error) {
       const errorMessage = error instanceof Error ? error.message : String(error);
@@ -100,20 +233,49 @@ class SSHExecutionService {
    * @returns {Promise<void>}
    */
   async transferScriptsFolder(server, onData, onError) {
-    const { ip, user, password } = server;
+    const { ip, user, password, auth_type = 'password', ssh_key, ssh_key_passphrase, ssh_port = 22 } = server;
+    /** @type {string|null} */
+    let tempKeyPath = null;
     
     return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
-      const rsyncCommand = spawn('rsync', [
-        '-avz',
-        '--delete',
-        '--exclude=*.log',
-        '--exclude=*.tmp',
-        '--rsh=sshpass -p ' + password + ' ssh -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null',
-        'scripts/',
-        `${user}@${ip}:/tmp/scripts/`
-      ], {
-        stdio: ['pipe', 'pipe', 'pipe']
-      });
+      try {
+        // Create temporary key file if using key authentication
+        if (auth_type === 'key' || auth_type === 'both') {
+          if (ssh_key) {
+            tempKeyPath = this.createTempKeyFile(server);
+          }
+        }
+        
+        // Build rsync command based on authentication type
+        let rshCommand;
+        if (auth_type === 'key' && tempKeyPath) {
+          if (ssh_key_passphrase) {
+            rshCommand = `sshpass -P passphrase -p ${ssh_key_passphrase} ssh -i ${tempKeyPath} -p ${ssh_port} -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null`;
+          } else {
+            rshCommand = `ssh -i ${tempKeyPath} -p ${ssh_port} -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null`;
+          }
+        } else if (auth_type === 'both' && tempKeyPath) {
+          if (ssh_key_passphrase) {
+            rshCommand = `sshpass -P passphrase -p ${ssh_key_passphrase} ssh -i ${tempKeyPath} -p ${ssh_port} -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null`;
+          } else {
+            rshCommand = `ssh -i ${tempKeyPath} -p ${ssh_port} -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null`;
+          }
+        } else {
+          // Fallback to password authentication
+          rshCommand = `sshpass -p ${password} ssh -p ${ssh_port} -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null`;
+        }
+        
+        const rsyncCommand = spawn('rsync', [
+          '-avz',
+          '--delete',
+          '--exclude=*.log',
+          '--exclude=*.tmp',
+          `--rsh=${rshCommand}`,
+          'scripts/',
+          `${user}@${ip}:/tmp/scripts/`
+        ], {
+          stdio: ['pipe', 'pipe', 'pipe']
+        });
 
       rsyncCommand.stdout.on('data', (/** @type {Buffer} */ data) => {
         // Ensure proper UTF-8 encoding for ANSI colors
@@ -128,6 +290,17 @@ class SSHExecutionService {
       });
 
       rsyncCommand.on('close', (code) => {
+        // Clean up temporary key file
+        if (tempKeyPath) {
+          try {
+            unlinkSync(tempKeyPath);
+            const tempDir = tempKeyPath.substring(0, tempKeyPath.lastIndexOf('/'));
+            unlinkSync(tempDir);
+          } catch (cleanupError) {
+            console.warn('Failed to clean up temporary SSH key file:', cleanupError);
+          }
+        }
+        
         if (code === 0) {
           resolve();
         } else {
@@ -136,8 +309,32 @@ class SSHExecutionService {
       });
 
       rsyncCommand.on('error', (error) => {
+        // Clean up temporary key file on error
+        if (tempKeyPath) {
+          try {
+            unlinkSync(tempKeyPath);
+            const tempDir = tempKeyPath.substring(0, tempKeyPath.lastIndexOf('/'));
+            unlinkSync(tempDir);
+          } catch (cleanupError) {
+            console.warn('Failed to clean up temporary SSH key file:', cleanupError);
+          }
+        }
         reject(error);
       });
+      
+      } catch (error) {
+        // Clean up temporary key file on error
+        if (tempKeyPath) {
+          try {
+            unlinkSync(tempKeyPath);
+            const tempDir = tempKeyPath.substring(0, tempKeyPath.lastIndexOf('/'));
+            unlinkSync(tempDir);
+          } catch (cleanupError) {
+            console.warn('Failed to clean up temporary SSH key file:', cleanupError);
+          }
+        }
+        reject(error);
+      }
     });
   }
 
@@ -151,47 +348,79 @@ class SSHExecutionService {
    * @returns {Promise<Object>} Process information
    */
   async executeCommand(server, command, onData, onError, onExit) {
-    const { ip, user, password } = server;
+    /** @type {string|null} */
+    let tempKeyPath = null;
     
     return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
-      // Use ptySpawn for proper terminal emulation and color support
-      const sshCommand = ptySpawn('sshpass', [
-        '-p', password,
-        'ssh',
-        '-t',
-        '-o', 'ConnectTimeout=10',
-        '-o', 'StrictHostKeyChecking=no',
-        '-o', 'UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null',
-        '-o', 'LogLevel=ERROR',
-        '-o', 'PasswordAuthentication=yes',
-        '-o', 'PubkeyAuthentication=no',
-        '-o', 'RequestTTY=yes',
-        '-o', 'SetEnv=TERM=xterm-256color',
-        '-o', 'SetEnv=COLUMNS=120',
-        '-o', 'SetEnv=LINES=30',
-        '-o', 'SetEnv=COLORTERM=truecolor',
-        '-o', 'SetEnv=FORCE_COLOR=1',
-        '-o', 'SetEnv=NO_COLOR=0',
-        '-o', 'SetEnv=CLICOLOR=1',
-        `${user}@${ip}`,
-        command
-      ], {
-        name: 'xterm-color',
-        cols: 120,
-        rows: 30,
-        cwd: process.cwd(),
-        env: process.env
-      });
+      try {
+        // Create temporary key file if using key authentication
+        if (server.auth_type === 'key' || server.auth_type === 'both') {
+          tempKeyPath = this.createTempKeyFile(server);
+        }
+        
+        // Build SSH command based on authentication type
+        const { command: sshCommandName, args } = this.buildSSHCommand(server, tempKeyPath);
+        
+        // Add the command to execute to the args
+        args.push(command);
+        
+        // Use ptySpawn for proper terminal emulation and color support
+        const sshCommand = ptySpawn(sshCommandName, args, {
+          name: 'xterm-color',
+          cols: 120,
+          rows: 30,
+          cwd: process.cwd(),
+          env: process.env
+        });
 
       sshCommand.onData((data) => {
         onData(data);
       });
 
       sshCommand.onExit((e) => {
+        // Clean up temporary key file
+        if (tempKeyPath) {
+          try {
+            unlinkSync(tempKeyPath);
+            const tempDir = tempKeyPath.substring(0, tempKeyPath.lastIndexOf('/'));
+            unlinkSync(tempDir);
+          } catch (cleanupError) {
+            console.warn('Failed to clean up temporary SSH key file:', cleanupError);
+          }
+        }
         onExit(e.exitCode);
       });
 
-      resolve({ process: sshCommand });
+      resolve({ 
+        process: sshCommand,
+        kill: () => {
+          sshCommand.kill('SIGTERM');
+          // Clean up temporary key file
+          if (tempKeyPath) {
+            try {
+              unlinkSync(tempKeyPath);
+              const tempDir = tempKeyPath.substring(0, tempKeyPath.lastIndexOf('/'));
+              rmdirSync(tempDir);
+            } catch (cleanupError) {
+              console.warn('Failed to clean up temporary SSH key file:', cleanupError);
+            }
+          }
+        }
+      });
+      
+      } catch (error) {
+        // Clean up temporary key file on error
+        if (tempKeyPath) {
+          try {
+            unlinkSync(tempKeyPath);
+            const tempDir = tempKeyPath.substring(0, tempKeyPath.lastIndexOf('/'));
+            unlinkSync(tempDir);
+          } catch (cleanupError) {
+            console.warn('Failed to clean up temporary SSH key file:', cleanupError);
+          }
+        }
+        reject(error);
+      }
     });
   }
 
diff --git a/src/server/ssh-service.js b/src/server/ssh-service.js
index 99ee3dc..0ad2c02 100644
--- a/src/server/ssh-service.js
+++ b/src/server/ssh-service.js
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { spawn } from 'child_process';
-import { writeFileSync, unlinkSync, chmodSync } from 'fs';
+import { writeFileSync, unlinkSync, chmodSync, mkdtempSync, rmdirSync } from 'fs';
 import { join } from 'path';
+import { tmpdir } from 'os';
 
 class SSHService {
   /**
@@ -10,38 +11,42 @@ class SSHService {
    * @returns {Promise<Object>} Connection test result
    */
   async testConnection(server) {
-    const { ip, user, password } = server;
+    const { auth_type = 'password' } = server;
     
     return new Promise((resolve) => {
       const timeout = 15000; // 15 seconds timeout for login test
       let resolved = false;
       
-      // Try sshpass first if available
-      this.testWithSshpass(server).then(result => {
+      // Choose authentication method based on auth_type
+      let authPromise;
+      if (auth_type === 'key') {
+        authPromise = this.testWithSSHKey(server);
+      } else if (auth_type === 'both') {
+        // Try SSH key first, then password
+        authPromise = this.testWithSSHKey(server).catch(() => this.testWithSshpass(server));
+      } else {
+        // Default to password authentication
+        authPromise = this.testWithSshpass(server).catch(() => this.testWithExpect(server));
+      }
+      
+      authPromise.then(result => {
         if (!resolved) {
           resolved = true;
           resolve(result);
         }
       }).catch(() => {
-        // If sshpass fails, try expect
-        this.testWithExpect(server).then(result => {
-          if (!resolved) {
-            resolved = true;
-            resolve(result);
-          }
-        }).catch(() => {
-          // If both fail, return error
-          if (!resolved) {
-            resolved = true;
-            resolve({
-              success: false,
-              message: 'SSH login test requires sshpass or expect - neither available or working',
-              details: {
-                method: 'no_auth_tools'
-              }
-            });
-          }
-        });
+        // If primary method fails, return error
+        if (!resolved) {
+          resolved = true;
+          resolve({
+            success: false,
+            message: `SSH login test failed for ${auth_type} authentication`,
+            details: {
+              method: 'auth_failed',
+              auth_type: auth_type
+            }
+          });
+        }
       });
       
       // Set up overall timeout
@@ -64,7 +69,11 @@ class SSHService {
    * @returns {Promise<Object>} Connection test result
    */
   async testWithSshpass(server) {
-    const { ip, user, password } = server;
+    const { ip, user, password, ssh_port = 22 } = server;
+    
+    if (!password) {
+      throw new Error('Password is required for password authentication');
+    }
     
     return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
       const timeout = 10000;
@@ -73,6 +82,7 @@ class SSHService {
       const sshCommand = spawn('sshpass', [
         '-p', password,
         'ssh',
+        '-p', ssh_port.toString(),
         '-o', 'ConnectTimeout=10',
         '-o', 'StrictHostKeyChecking=no',
         '-o', 'UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null',
@@ -156,7 +166,7 @@ class SSHService {
    * @returns {Promise<Object>} Connection test result
    */
   async testWithExpect(server) {
-    const { ip, user, password } = server;
+    const { ip, user, password, ssh_port = 22 } = server;
     
     return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
       const timeout = 10000;
@@ -164,7 +174,7 @@ class SSHService {
       
       const expectScript = `#!/usr/bin/expect -f
 set timeout 10
-spawn ssh -o ConnectTimeout=10 -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null -o LogLevel=ERROR -o PasswordAuthentication=yes -o PubkeyAuthentication=no ${user}@${ip} "echo SSH_LOGIN_SUCCESS"
+spawn ssh -p ${ssh_port} -o ConnectTimeout=10 -o StrictHostKeyChecking=no -o UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null -o LogLevel=ERROR -o PasswordAuthentication=yes -o PubkeyAuthentication=no ${user}@${ip} "echo SSH_LOGIN_SUCCESS"
 expect {
   "password:" {
     send "${password}\r"
@@ -428,13 +438,14 @@ expect {
    * @returns {Promise<Object>} Connection test result
    */
   async testSSHConnection(server) {
-    const { ip, user } = server;
+    const { ip, user, ssh_port = 22 } = server;
     
     return new Promise((resolve) => {
       const timeout = 5000;
       let resolved = false;
       
       const sshCommand = spawn('ssh', [
+        '-p', ssh_port.toString(),
         '-o', 'ConnectTimeout=5',
         '-o', 'StrictHostKeyChecking=no',
         '-o', 'UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null',
@@ -523,6 +534,148 @@ expect {
     });
   }
 
+  /**
+   * Test SSH connection using SSH key authentication
+   * @param {import('../types/server').Server} server - Server configuration
+   * @returns {Promise<Object>} Connection test result
+   */
+  async testWithSSHKey(server) {
+    const { ip, user, ssh_key, ssh_key_passphrase, ssh_port = 22 } = server;
+    
+    if (!ssh_key) {
+      throw new Error('SSH key not provided');
+    }
+
+    return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
+      const timeout = 10000;
+      let resolved = false;
+      let tempKeyPath = null;
+      
+      try {
+        // Create temporary key file
+        const tempDir = mkdtempSync(join(tmpdir(), 'ssh-key-'));
+        tempKeyPath = join(tempDir, 'private_key');
+        
+        // Write the private key to temporary file
+        writeFileSync(tempKeyPath, ssh_key);
+        chmodSync(tempKeyPath, 0o600); // Set proper permissions
+        
+        // Build SSH command
+        const sshArgs = [
+          '-i', tempKeyPath,
+          '-p', ssh_port.toString(),
+          '-o', 'ConnectTimeout=10',
+          '-o', 'StrictHostKeyChecking=no',
+          '-o', 'UserKnownHostsFile=/dev/null',
+          '-o', 'LogLevel=ERROR',
+          '-o', 'PasswordAuthentication=no',
+          '-o', 'PubkeyAuthentication=yes',
+          `${user}@${ip}`,
+          'echo "SSH_LOGIN_SUCCESS"'
+        ];
+        
+        // Use sshpass if passphrase is provided
+        let command, args;
+        if (ssh_key_passphrase) {
+          command = 'sshpass';
+          args = ['-P', 'passphrase', '-p', ssh_key_passphrase, 'ssh', ...sshArgs];
+        } else {
+          command = 'ssh';
+          args = sshArgs;
+        }
+        
+        const sshCommand = spawn(command, args, {
+          stdio: ['pipe', 'pipe', 'pipe']
+        });
+
+        const timer = setTimeout(() => {
+          if (!resolved) {
+            resolved = true;
+            sshCommand.kill('SIGTERM');
+            reject(new Error('SSH key login timeout'));
+          }
+        }, timeout);
+
+        let output = '';
+        let errorOutput = '';
+        
+        sshCommand.stdout.on('data', (data) => {
+          output += data.toString();
+        });
+
+        sshCommand.stderr.on('data', (data) => {
+          errorOutput += data.toString();
+        });
+
+        sshCommand.on('close', (code) => {
+          if (!resolved) {
+            resolved = true;
+            clearTimeout(timer);
+            
+            if (code === 0 && output.includes('SSH_LOGIN_SUCCESS')) {
+              resolve({
+                success: true,
+                message: 'SSH key authentication successful - credentials verified',
+                details: {
+                  server: server.name || 'Unknown',
+                  ip: ip,
+                  user: user,
+                  method: 'ssh_key_verified'
+                }
+              });
+            } else {
+              let errorMessage = 'SSH key authentication failed';
+              
+              if (errorOutput.includes('Permission denied') || errorOutput.includes('Authentication failed')) {
+                errorMessage = 'SSH key authentication failed - check key and permissions';
+              } else if (errorOutput.includes('Connection refused')) {
+                errorMessage = 'Connection refused - server may be down or SSH not running';
+              } else if (errorOutput.includes('Name or service not known') || errorOutput.includes('No route to host')) {
+                errorMessage = 'Host not found - check IP address';
+              } else if (errorOutput.includes('Connection timed out')) {
+                errorMessage = 'Connection timeout - server may be unreachable';
+              } else if (errorOutput.includes('Load key') || errorOutput.includes('invalid format')) {
+                errorMessage = 'Invalid SSH key format';
+              } else if (errorOutput.includes('Enter passphrase')) {
+                errorMessage = 'SSH key passphrase required but not provided';
+              } else {
+                errorMessage = `SSH key authentication failed: ${errorOutput.trim()}`;
+              }
+
+              reject(new Error(errorMessage));
+            }
+          }
+        });
+
+        sshCommand.on('error', (error) => {
+          if (!resolved) {
+            resolved = true;
+            clearTimeout(timer);
+            reject(error);
+          }
+        });
+        
+      } catch (error) {
+        if (!resolved) {
+          resolved = true;
+          reject(error);
+        }
+      } finally {
+        // Clean up temporary key file
+        if (tempKeyPath) {
+          try {
+            unlinkSync(tempKeyPath);
+            // Also remove the temp directory
+            const tempDir = tempKeyPath.substring(0, tempKeyPath.lastIndexOf('/'));
+            rmdirSync(tempDir);
+          } catch (cleanupError) {
+            console.warn('Failed to clean up temporary SSH key file:', cleanupError);
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    });
+  }
+
 }
 
 // Singleton instance
diff --git a/src/types/server.ts b/src/types/server.ts
index 1b7bfbb..70fdf2d 100644
--- a/src/types/server.ts
+++ b/src/types/server.ts
@@ -3,7 +3,11 @@ export interface Server {
   name: string;
   ip: string;
   user: string;
-  password: string;
+  password?: string;
+  auth_type?: 'password' | 'key' | 'both';
+  ssh_key?: string;
+  ssh_key_passphrase?: string;
+  ssh_port?: number;
   created_at: string;
   updated_at: string;
 }
@@ -12,7 +16,11 @@ export interface CreateServerData {
   name: string;
   ip: string;
   user: string;
-  password: string;
+  password?: string;
+  auth_type?: 'password' | 'key' | 'both';
+  ssh_key?: string;
+  ssh_key_passphrase?: string;
+  ssh_port?: number;
 }
 
 export interface UpdateServerData extends CreateServerData {
diff --git a/update.sh b/update.sh
index bd47046..62c6fbb 100755
--- a/update.sh
+++ b/update.sh
@@ -704,7 +704,7 @@ main() {
     if [ -f "package.json" ] && [ -f "server.js" ]; then
         app_dir="$(pwd)"
     else
-        # Try multiple common locations
+        # Try multiple common locations:
         for search_path in /opt /root /home /usr/local; do
             if [ -d "$search_path" ]; then
                 app_dir=$(find "$search_path" -name "package.json" -path "*/ProxmoxVE-Local*" -exec dirname {} \; 2>/dev/null | head -1)