Understanding System Message Logging - Cisco Catalyst 3550 series Software Configuration Manual

Configuring System Message Logging
This chapter describes how to configure system message logging on your Catalyst 3550 switch.
For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, refer to the Cisco IOS
Note
Configuration Fundamentals Command Reference for Cisco IOS Release 12.1.
This chapter consists of these sections:
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Understanding System Message Logging

By default, a switch sends the output from system messages and debug privileged EXEC commands to
a logging process. The logging process controls the distribution of logging messages to various
destinations, such as the logging buffer, terminal lines, or a UNIX syslog server, depending on your
configuration. The process also sends messages to the console.
The syslog format is compatible with 4.3 BSD UNIX.
Note
When the logging process is disabled, messages are sent only to the console. The messages are sent as
they are generated, so message and debug output are interspersed with prompts or output from other
commands. Messages appear on the console after the process that generated them has finished.
You can set the severity level of the messages to control the type of messages displayed on the console
and each of the destinations. You can time stamp log messages or set the syslog source address to
enhance real-time debugging and management. For information on possible messages, refer to the
system message guide for this release.
You can access logged system messages by using the switch command-line interface (CLI) or by saving
them to a properly configured syslog server. The switch software saves syslog messages in an internal
buffer. You can remotely monitor system messages by accessing the switch through Telnet, through the
console port, or by viewing the logs on a syslog server.
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Understanding System Message Logging, page 26-1
Configuring System Message Logging, page 26-2
Displaying the Logging Configuration, page 26-12
C H A P T E R
Catalyst 3550 Multilayer Switch Software Configuration Guide
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