diff --git a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCbgpls/FUNCbgpls.py b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCbgpls/FUNCbgpls.py
index f799854..800a864 100755
--- a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCbgpls/FUNCbgpls.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCbgpls/FUNCbgpls.py
@@ -133,6 +133,12 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS install successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS install failed" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.nodes[ 0 ].ip_address )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                     onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                     onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         print main.nodes[0].ip_address
         for i in range( 2 ):
@@ -143,12 +149,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS startup successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS startup failed" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.nodes[ 0 ].ip_address )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                     onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                     onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Starting ONOS CLI sessions" )
         print main.nodes[ 0 ].ip_address
         cliResults = main.ONOScli1.startOnosCli( main.nodes[ 0 ].ip_address )
diff --git a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCflow/FUNCflow.py b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCflow/FUNCflow.py
index 1acc76a..df64bb4 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCflow/FUNCflow.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCflow/FUNCflow.py
@@ -175,6 +175,14 @@
                                  onpass="Successfully installed ONOS package",
                                  onfail="Failed to install ONOS package" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         time.sleep( main.startUpSleep )
         main.step( "Starting ONOS service" )
         stopResult = main.TRUE
@@ -200,14 +208,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS service is ready",
                                  onfail="ONOS service did not start properly" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Start ONOS cli" )
         cliResult = main.TRUE
         for i in range( main.numCtrls ):
diff --git a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCintent/FUNCintent.py b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCintent/FUNCintent.py
index 1371453..4785200 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCintent/FUNCintent.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCintent/FUNCintent.py
@@ -205,6 +205,14 @@
                                  onpass="Successfully installed ONOS package",
                                  onfail="Failed to install ONOS package" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         time.sleep( main.startUpSleep )
         main.step( "Starting ONOS service" )
         stopResult = main.TRUE
@@ -229,14 +237,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS service is ready on all nodes",
                                  onfail="ONOS service did not start properly on all nodes" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Start ONOS cli" )
         cliResult = main.TRUE
         for i in range( main.numCtrls ):
diff --git a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCintentRest/FUNCintentRest.py b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCintentRest/FUNCintentRest.py
index dc8df66..dcf7425 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCintentRest/FUNCintentRest.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCintentRest/FUNCintentRest.py
@@ -230,6 +230,14 @@
                                  onpass="Successfully installed ONOS package",
                                  onfail="Failed to install ONOS package" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         time.sleep( main.startUpSleep )
         main.step( "Starting ONOS service" )
         stopResult = main.TRUE
@@ -259,14 +267,6 @@
         # supported by the Rest API remove this when Leader Checking is supported
         # by the REST API
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Start ONOS cli" )
         cliResult = main.TRUE
         for i in range( main.numCtrls ):
diff --git a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCipv6Intent/FUNCipv6Intent.py b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCipv6Intent/FUNCipv6Intent.py
index 6423ff4..d13762e 100755
--- a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCipv6Intent/FUNCipv6Intent.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCipv6Intent/FUNCipv6Intent.py
@@ -196,6 +196,14 @@
                                  onpass="Successfully installed ONOS package",
                                  onfail="Failed to install ONOS package" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         time.sleep( main.startUpSleep )
         main.step( "Starting ONOS service" )
         stopResult = main.TRUE
@@ -222,14 +230,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS service is ready",
                                  onfail="ONOS service did not start properly" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Start ONOS cli" )
         cliResult = main.TRUE
         for i in range( main.numCtrls ):
diff --git a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCnetconf/FUNCnetconf.py b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCnetconf/FUNCnetconf.py
index 8b145ab..7154a28 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCnetconf/FUNCnetconf.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCnetconf/FUNCnetconf.py
@@ -214,6 +214,14 @@
                                  onpass="Successfully installed ONOS package",
                                  onfail="Failed to install ONOS package" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         time.sleep( main.startUpSleep )
         main.step( "Starting ONOS service" )
         stopResult = main.TRUE
@@ -243,14 +251,6 @@
         # supported by the Rest API remove this when Leader Checking is supported
         # by the REST API
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Start ONOS cli" )
         cliResult = main.TRUE
         for i in range( main.numCtrls ):
diff --git a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCoptical/FUNCoptical.py b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCoptical/FUNCoptical.py
index c85d39e..08c0aaa 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCoptical/FUNCoptical.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCoptical/FUNCoptical.py
@@ -185,6 +185,14 @@
                                  onpass="Successfully installed ONOS package",
                                  onfail="Failed to install ONOS package" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         time.sleep( main.startUpSleep )
         main.step( "Starting ONOS service" )
         stopResult = main.TRUE
@@ -209,14 +217,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS service is ready on all nodes",
                                  onfail="ONOS service did not start properly on all nodes" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Start ONOS cli" )
         cliResult = main.TRUE
         for i in range( main.numCtrls ):
diff --git a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCovsdbtest/FUNCovsdbtest.py b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCovsdbtest/FUNCovsdbtest.py
index 894b96b..3563efb 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCovsdbtest/FUNCovsdbtest.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCovsdbtest/FUNCovsdbtest.py
@@ -130,6 +130,14 @@
                                  onpass="Successfully installed ONOS package",
                                  onfail="Failed to install ONOS package" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.nodes[ i ].ip_address )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         time.sleep( main.startUpSleep )
         main.step("Starting ONOS service")
         stopResult = main.TRUE
@@ -152,14 +160,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS service is ready on all nodes",
                                  onfail="ONOS service did not start properly on all nodes" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.nodes[ i ].ip_address )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Starting ONOS CLI sessions" )
         cliResults = main.ONOScli1.startOnosCli( main.nodes[ 0 ].ip_address )
         utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=cliResults,
diff --git a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCvirNetNB/FUNCvirNetNB.py b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCvirNetNB/FUNCvirNetNB.py
index 9545a4e..81eb698 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCvirNetNB/FUNCvirNetNB.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/FUNC/FUNCvirNetNB/FUNCvirNetNB.py
@@ -144,6 +144,12 @@
                                 onfail="ONOS install failed" )
         time.sleep( main.startUpSleep )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.nodes[0].ip_address )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
 
         for i in range( 2 ):
@@ -155,12 +161,6 @@
                      onfail="ONOS startup failed" )
         time.sleep( main.startUpSleep )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.nodes[0].ip_address )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Starting ONOS CLI sessions" )
 
         print main.nodes[0].ip_address
diff --git a/TestON/tests/HA/HAclusterRestart/HAclusterRestart.py b/TestON/tests/HA/HAclusterRestart/HAclusterRestart.py
index fba0007..afd3f78 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/HA/HAclusterRestart/HAclusterRestart.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/HA/HAclusterRestart/HAclusterRestart.py
@@ -208,6 +208,14 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS install successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS install failed" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for node in main.nodes:
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         for i in range( 2 ):
             onosIsupResult = main.TRUE
@@ -222,14 +230,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS startup successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS startup failed" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for node in main.nodes:
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Starting ONOS CLI sessions" )
         cliResults = main.TRUE
         threads = []
diff --git a/TestON/tests/HA/HAfullNetPartition/HAfullNetPartition.py b/TestON/tests/HA/HAfullNetPartition/HAfullNetPartition.py
index 6f53489..0bc27d0 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/HA/HAfullNetPartition/HAfullNetPartition.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/HA/HAfullNetPartition/HAfullNetPartition.py
@@ -233,6 +233,14 @@
             main.cleanup()
             main.exit()
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for node in main.nodes:
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         for i in range( 2 ):
             onosIsupResult = main.TRUE
@@ -247,14 +255,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS startup successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS startup failed" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for node in main.nodes:
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Starting ONOS CLI sessions" )
         cliResults = main.TRUE
         threads = []
diff --git a/TestON/tests/HA/HAkillNodes/HAkillNodes.py b/TestON/tests/HA/HAkillNodes/HAkillNodes.py
index a579cff..eb9ad75 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/HA/HAkillNodes/HAkillNodes.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/HA/HAkillNodes/HAkillNodes.py
@@ -240,6 +240,14 @@
             main.cleanup()
             main.exit()
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for node in main.nodes:
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         for i in range( 2 ):
             onosIsupResult = main.TRUE
@@ -254,14 +262,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS startup successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS startup failed" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for node in main.nodes:
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Starting ONOS CLI sessions" )
         cliResults = main.TRUE
         threads = []
diff --git a/TestON/tests/HA/HAsanity/HAsanity.py b/TestON/tests/HA/HAsanity/HAsanity.py
index feb69bf..151547b 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/HA/HAsanity/HAsanity.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/HA/HAsanity/HAsanity.py
@@ -209,6 +209,14 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS install successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS install failed" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for node in main.nodes:
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         for i in range( 2 ):
             onosIsupResult = main.TRUE
@@ -223,14 +231,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS startup successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS startup failed" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for node in main.nodes:
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Starting ONOS CLI sessions" )
         cliResults = main.TRUE
         threads = []
diff --git a/TestON/tests/HA/HAscaling/HAscaling.py b/TestON/tests/HA/HAscaling/HAscaling.py
index 2bc1d13..d4cf53d 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/HA/HAscaling/HAscaling.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/HA/HAscaling/HAscaling.py
@@ -273,6 +273,14 @@
                             path,
                             direction="to" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for node in main.nodes:
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         for i in range( 2 ):
             onosIsupResult = main.TRUE
@@ -288,14 +296,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS startup successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS startup failed" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for node in main.nodes:
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Starting ONOS CLI sessions" )
         cliResults = main.TRUE
         threads = []
diff --git a/TestON/tests/HA/HAsingleInstanceRestart/HAsingleInstanceRestart.py b/TestON/tests/HA/HAsingleInstanceRestart/HAsingleInstanceRestart.py
index 702b09e..9037002 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/HA/HAsingleInstanceRestart/HAsingleInstanceRestart.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/HA/HAsingleInstanceRestart/HAsingleInstanceRestart.py
@@ -198,6 +198,14 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS install successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS install failed" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for node in main.nodes:
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         for i in range( 2 ):
             onosIsupResult = main.TRUE
@@ -212,14 +220,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS startup successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS startup failed" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for node in main.nodes:
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Starting ONOS CLI sessions" )
         cliResults = main.TRUE
         threads = []
diff --git a/TestON/tests/HA/HAstopNodes/HAstopNodes.py b/TestON/tests/HA/HAstopNodes/HAstopNodes.py
index ddf9b2a..ce38887 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/HA/HAstopNodes/HAstopNodes.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/HA/HAstopNodes/HAstopNodes.py
@@ -233,6 +233,14 @@
             main.cleanup()
             main.exit()
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for node in main.nodes:
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         for i in range( 2 ):
             onosIsupResult = main.TRUE
@@ -247,14 +255,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS startup successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS startup failed" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for node in main.nodes:
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Starting ONOS CLI sessions" )
         cliResults = main.TRUE
         threads = []
diff --git a/TestON/tests/HA/HAswapNodes/HAswapNodes.py b/TestON/tests/HA/HAswapNodes/HAswapNodes.py
index 60dff34..082f831 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/HA/HAswapNodes/HAswapNodes.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/HA/HAswapNodes/HAswapNodes.py
@@ -267,6 +267,14 @@
                             path,
                             direction="to" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for node in main.nodes:
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         for i in range( 2 ):
             onosIsupResult = main.TRUE
@@ -282,14 +290,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS startup successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS startup failed" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for node in main.nodes:
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Starting ONOS CLI sessions" )
         cliResults = main.TRUE
         threads = []
diff --git a/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFflowTp1g/SCPFflowTp1g.py b/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFflowTp1g/SCPFflowTp1g.py
index 50ca811..2915864 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFflowTp1g/SCPFflowTp1g.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFflowTp1g/SCPFflowTp1g.py
@@ -120,6 +120,9 @@
             main.ONOSbench.onosInstall( ONOSIp[node])
 
         for node in range(1, clusterCount + 1):
+            secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( ONOSIp[node] )
+
+        for node in range(1, clusterCount + 1):
             for i in range( 2 ):
                 isup = main.ONOSbench.isup( ONOSIp[node] )
                 if isup:
@@ -129,7 +132,6 @@
                 main.log.report( "ONOS " + str(node) + " didn't start!" )
 
         for node in range(1, clusterCount + 1):
-            secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( ONOSIp[node] )
             exec "a = main.ONOS%scli.startOnosCli" %str(node)
             a(ONOSIp[node])
 
diff --git a/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFintentRerouteLat/SCPFintentRerouteLat.py b/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFintentRerouteLat/SCPFintentRerouteLat.py
index 00f834f..5138950 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFintentRerouteLat/SCPFintentRerouteLat.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFintentRerouteLat/SCPFintentRerouteLat.py
@@ -189,6 +189,14 @@
                                     onfail="Test step FAIL")
             installResult = installResult and i_result
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
+            utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                    onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                    onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         main.step( "Starting ONOS service" )
         stopResult = main.TRUE
         startResult = main.TRUE
@@ -212,13 +220,7 @@
         utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=stepResult,
                                  onpass="Test step PASS",
                                  onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
-            utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                    onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                    onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         time.sleep(2)
         main.step("Start ONOS CLI on all nodes")
         cliResult = main.TRUE
diff --git a/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFscaleTopo/SCPFscaleTopo.py b/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFscaleTopo/SCPFscaleTopo.py
index 1a1e38f..ea2a6dd 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFscaleTopo/SCPFscaleTopo.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFscaleTopo/SCPFscaleTopo.py
@@ -219,6 +219,14 @@
                                  onpass="Successfully installed ONOS package",
                                  onfail="Failed to install ONOS package" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         time.sleep( main.startUpSleep )
         main.step( "Starting ONOS service" )
         stopResult = main.TRUE
@@ -245,14 +253,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS service is ready",
                                  onfail="ONOS service did not start properly" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Start ONOS cli" )
         cliResult = main.TRUE
         main.activeNodes = []
diff --git a/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFscaleTopo/dependencies/scaleTopoFunction.py b/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFscaleTopo/dependencies/scaleTopoFunction.py
index b670e12..f7a8782 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFscaleTopo/dependencies/scaleTopoFunction.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/SCPF/SCPFscaleTopo/dependencies/scaleTopoFunction.py
@@ -449,6 +449,16 @@
         restartResult = main.FALSE
         main.log.error( main.topoName + ": Failed to install ONOS cluster" )
 
+    main.log.info( main.topoName + ": set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+    secureSshResult = []
+    for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
+        secureSshResult.append( main.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] ) )
+    if all( result == main.TRUE for result in secureSshResult ):
+        main.log.info( main.topoName + ": Successfully set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+    else:
+        main.log.error( main.topoName + ": Failed to set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        restartResult = main.FALSE
+
     for i in range( main.numCtrls ):
         onosIsUpResult.append( main.ONOSbench.isup( main.ONOSip[ i ] ) )
 
@@ -473,16 +483,6 @@
         else:
             main.log.error( main.topoName + ": Failed to start ONOS cluster" )
 
-    main.log.info( main.topoName + ": set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-    secureSshResult = []
-    for i in range( int( main.numCtrls ) ):
-        secureSshResult.append( main.onosSecureSSH( node=main.ONOSip[i] ) )
-    if all( result == main.TRUE for result in secureSshResult ):
-        main.log.info( main.topoName + ": Successfully set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-    else:
-        main.log.error( main.topoName + ": Failed to set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        restartResult = main.FALSE
-
     main.log.info( main.topoName + ": Starting ONOS CLI" )
     cliResult = []
     for i in range( main.numCtrls ):
diff --git a/TestON/tests/USECASE/SDNIPfunction/SDNIPfunction.py b/TestON/tests/USECASE/SDNIPfunction/SDNIPfunction.py
index 0873626..1c19c30 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/USECASE/SDNIPfunction/SDNIPfunction.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/USECASE/SDNIPfunction/SDNIPfunction.py
@@ -57,6 +57,9 @@
         onos1InstallResult = main.ONOSbench.onosInstall( options = "-f",
                                                            node = ONOS1Ip )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS1Ip )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         for i in range( 2 ):
             onos1Isup = main.ONOSbench.isup( ONOS1Ip, timeout = 420 )
@@ -65,9 +68,6 @@
         if not onos1Isup:
             main.log.report( "ONOS1 didn't start!" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS1Ip )
-
         cliResult = main.ONOScli.startOnosCli( ONOS1Ip,
                 commandlineTimeout = 100, onosStartTimeout = 600 )
 
diff --git a/TestON/tests/USECASE/SDNIPperf/SDNIPperf.py b/TestON/tests/USECASE/SDNIPperf/SDNIPperf.py
index 4bfa244..9d6ae4a 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/USECASE/SDNIPperf/SDNIPperf.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/USECASE/SDNIPperf/SDNIPperf.py
@@ -56,6 +56,9 @@
         onos1InstallResult = main.ONOSbench.onosInstall( options="-f",
                                                            node=ONOS1Ip )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS1Ip )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         for i in range( 2 ):
             onos1Isup = main.ONOSbench.isup( ONOS1Ip, timeout=420 )
@@ -64,9 +67,6 @@
         if not onos1Isup:
             main.log.report( "ONOS1 didn't start!" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS1Ip )
-
         cliResult = main.ONOScli.startOnosCli( ONOS1Ip,
                 commandlineTimeout=100, onosStartTimeout=600)
 
diff --git a/TestON/tests/USECASE/SegmentRouting/dependencies/Testcaselib.py b/TestON/tests/USECASE/SegmentRouting/dependencies/Testcaselib.py
index 7ef28e6..08eb9c9 100755
--- a/TestON/tests/USECASE/SegmentRouting/dependencies/Testcaselib.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/USECASE/SegmentRouting/dependencies/Testcaselib.py
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 
 class Testcaselib:
 
-    useSSH=False
+    useSSH=True
 
     @staticmethod
     def initTest( main ):
diff --git a/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunction/USECASE_SdnipFunction.py b/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunction/USECASE_SdnipFunction.py
index aa7f34a..4ca92c7 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunction/USECASE_SdnipFunction.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunction/USECASE_SdnipFunction.py
@@ -157,13 +157,6 @@
                                  onpass="Install ONOS succeeded",
                                  onfail="Install ONOS failed" )
 
-        main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
-        onos1UpResult = main.ONOSbench.isup( ONOS1Ip, timeout=420 )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE,
-                                 actual=onos1UpResult,
-                                 onpass="ONOS is up",
-                                 onfail="ONOS is NOT up" )
-
         main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
         secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS1Ip )
         utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE,
@@ -171,6 +164,13 @@
                                  onpass="Set up ONOS secure SSH succeeded",
                                  onfail="Set up ONOS secure SSH failed " )
 
+        main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
+        onos1UpResult = main.ONOSbench.isup( ONOS1Ip, timeout=420 )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE,
+                                 actual=onos1UpResult,
+                                 onpass="ONOS is up",
+                                 onfail="ONOS is NOT up" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS CLI is ready" )
         cliResult = main.ONOScli.startOnosCli( ONOS1Ip,
                 commandlineTimeout=100, onosStartTimeout=600 )
diff --git a/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster.py b/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster.py
index 87b628f..48909f2 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster.py
@@ -140,6 +140,15 @@
                                  onpass="Install ONOS to nodes succeeded",
                                  onfail="Install ONOS to nodes failed" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS1Ip )
+        secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS2Ip )
+        secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS3Ip )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE,
+                                 actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Set up ONOS secure SSH succeeded",
+                                 onfail="Set up ONOS secure SSH failed " )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         onos1UpResult = main.ONOSbench.isup( ONOS1Ip, timeout=420 )
         onos2UpResult = main.ONOSbench.isup( ONOS2Ip, timeout=420 )
@@ -150,15 +159,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS nodes are up",
                                  onfail="ONOS nodes are NOT up" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS1Ip )
-        secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS2Ip )
-        secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS3Ip )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE,
-                                 actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Set up ONOS secure SSH succeeded",
-                                 onfail="Set up ONOS secure SSH failed " )
-
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS CLI is ready" )
         main.CLIs = []
         cliResult1 = main.ONOScli1.startOnosCli( ONOS1Ip,
diff --git a/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster_fsfw/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster_fsfw.py b/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster_fsfw/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster_fsfw.py
index 8458b9a..d7c44c9 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster_fsfw/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster_fsfw.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster_fsfw/USECASE_SdnipFunctionCluster_fsfw.py
@@ -145,6 +145,15 @@
                                  onpass="Install ONOS to nodes succeeded",
                                  onfail="Install ONOS to nodes failed" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS1Ip )
+        secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS2Ip )
+        secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS3Ip )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE,
+                                 actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Set up ONOS secure SSH succeeded",
+                                 onfail="Set up ONOS secure SSH failed " )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         onos1UpResult = main.ONOSbench.isup( ONOS1Ip, timeout=420 )
         onos2UpResult = main.ONOSbench.isup( ONOS2Ip, timeout=420 )
@@ -155,15 +164,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS nodes are up",
                                  onfail="ONOS nodes are NOT up" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS1Ip )
-        secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS2Ip )
-        secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS3Ip )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE,
-                                 actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Set up ONOS secure SSH succeeded",
-                                 onfail="Set up ONOS secure SSH failed " )
-
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS CLI is ready" )
         main.CLIs = []
         cliResult1 = main.ONOScli1.startOnosCli( ONOS1Ip,
diff --git a/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunction_fsfw/USECASE_SdnipFunction_fsfw.py b/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunction_fsfw/USECASE_SdnipFunction_fsfw.py
index ab57821..3601489 100644
--- a/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunction_fsfw/USECASE_SdnipFunction_fsfw.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/USECASE/USECASE_SdnipFunction_fsfw/USECASE_SdnipFunction_fsfw.py
@@ -146,13 +146,6 @@
                                  onpass="Install ONOS succeeded",
                                  onfail="Install ONOS failed" )
 
-        main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
-        onos1UpResult = main.ONOSbench.isup( ONOS1Ip, timeout=420 )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE,
-                                 actual=onos1UpResult,
-                                 onpass="ONOS is up",
-                                 onfail="ONOS is NOT up" )
-
         main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
         secureSshResult = main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=ONOS1Ip )
         utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE,
@@ -160,6 +153,13 @@
                                  onpass="Set up ONOS secure SSH succeeded",
                                  onfail="Set up ONOS secure SSH failed " )
 
+        main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
+        onos1UpResult = main.ONOSbench.isup( ONOS1Ip, timeout=420 )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE,
+                                 actual=onos1UpResult,
+                                 onpass="ONOS is up",
+                                 onfail="ONOS is NOT up" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS CLI is ready" )
         cliResult = main.ONOScli1.startOnosCli( ONOS1Ip,
                                                commandlineTimeout=100,
diff --git a/TestON/tests/USECASE/VPLS/VPLSBasic/VPLSBasic.py b/TestON/tests/USECASE/VPLS/VPLSBasic/VPLSBasic.py
index b09007e..d6c0403 100755
--- a/TestON/tests/USECASE/VPLS/VPLSBasic/VPLSBasic.py
+++ b/TestON/tests/USECASE/VPLS/VPLSBasic/VPLSBasic.py
@@ -112,6 +112,14 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS install successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS install failed" )
 
+        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
+        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
+        for node in main.nodes:
+            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
+        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
+                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
+                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
+
         main.step( "Checking if ONOS is up yet" )
         for i in range( 2 ):
             onosIsupResult = main.TRUE
@@ -126,14 +134,6 @@
                                  onpass="ONOS startup successful",
                                  onfail="ONOS startup failed" )
 
-        main.step( "Set up ONOS secure SSH" )
-        secureSshResult = main.TRUE
-        for node in main.nodes:
-            secureSshResult = secureSshResult and main.ONOSbench.onosSecureSSH( node=node.ip_address )
-        utilities.assert_equals( expect=main.TRUE, actual=secureSshResult,
-                                 onpass="Test step PASS",
-                                 onfail="Test step FAIL" )
-
         main.step( "Starting ONOS CLI sessions" )
         cliResults = main.TRUE
         threads = []