Welcome to Techal, your go-to source for all things technology. In this article, we will explore the process of sending logs to an external syslog server. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively troubleshoot network devices using this method.
Contents
Introduction
Logging is a crucial aspect of network management, enabling us to identify and resolve issues efficiently. While all network devices are capable of generating logs, the method of handling these logs varies across vendors. In this guide, we will focus on the process of sending logs to an external syslog server using UDP.
Understanding Syslog Messages
Syslog messages have a common format, regardless of the vendor. They contain valuable information that helps us troubleshoot network issues. Let’s take a look at an example of a real log entry from a Cisco router:
<165>Jul 26 14:15:24.000: %LINK-3-UPDOWN: Interface GigabitEthernet0/1, changed state to upIn this log entry, the severity level is indicated by %LINK-3-UPDOWN, which signifies an interface going up or down. The severity level is crucial in determining the importance of the log entry. Additionally, syslog messages also include a facility field that represents the process or service generating the event.
Advantages of Using an External Syslog Server
While logs can still function locally on each device, utilizing an external syslog server offers several benefits. Some of these advantages include:
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Centralized log storage: Archiving logs in one central area allows for easy access and management.
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Log correlation: By sending logs from multiple devices to a single server, we can identify if an event is affecting more than one device.
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Improved troubleshooting: With logs stored in a centralized location, we can quickly analyze and troubleshoot network issues.
Configuring Syslog Server and Devices
To begin sending logs to a syslog server, we need to configure both the server and the network devices. In this guide, we recommend using the Kiwi syslog server, which is easy to set up and offers a free version with limited features.
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Setting up the Syslog Server: Download and install the Kiwi syslog server on your Windows machine. Once installed, configure the server’s time accurately by setting up DNS and an NTP server. This ensures accurate timestamps for each log entry.
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Configuring Network Devices: Using the
logcommand, configure the network devices to send logs to the syslog server. Specify the interface, set the desired log level, and provide the IP or hostname of the server.
FAQs
Q: Are all syslog servers the same?
No, there are numerous syslog servers available, both free and paid versions. For beginners, we recommend using the Kiwi syslog server due to its user-friendly interface and ease of setup.
Conclusion
Sending logs to an external syslog server is an essential practice for effective network troubleshooting. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure centralized log storage, better log correlation, and streamlined troubleshooting. Remember to configure both the syslog server and the network devices properly to establish a robust logging system.
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