CHAPTER
27-1
Catalyst2950 and Catalyst2955 Switch Software Configuration Guide
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27
Configuring System Message Logging
This chapter describes how to configure system message logging on your Catalyst 2950 or Catalyst 2955
switch.
Note For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, refer to the Cisco IOS
Configuration Fundamentals Command Reference for Cisco IOS Release 12.1.
This chapter consists of these sections:
Understanding System Message Logging, page 27-1
Configuring System Message Logging, page 27-2
Displaying the Logging Configuration, page 27-13

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 you r
configuration. The process also sends messages to the console.
Note The syslog format is compatible with 4.3 BSD UNIX.
When the logging process is disabled, messages are sent only to the conso l e. T he m essage s are sen t a s
they are generated, so message and debug output are interspersed with prom pts or outp ut from o ther
commands. Messages appear on the console after the pro cess t hat gene rat ed t hem ha s 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 timestamp log messages or set the syslog source address to enhance
real-time debugging and management. For information on possible messages, r efer to the sy stem
message guide for this release.
You can access logged system messages by using the switc h comm and- line inter fa ce (CLI ) or by sav ing
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.