CHAPTER
26-1
Cisco ME 3400 EthernetAccess Switch SoftwareConfiguration Guide
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26
Configuring System Message Logging
This chapter describes how to configure system message logging on the Cisco ME 3400 Ethernet Access
switch.
Note For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, see the Cisco IOS
Configuration Fundamentals Command Reference, Release 12.2.
This chapter consists of these sections:
•Understanding System Message Logging, page 26-1
•Configuring System Message Logging, page 26-2
•Displaying the Logging Configuration, page 26-12

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 process t hat gene ra ted the m ha s finished.
You can set the severity level of the messages to control the type of messages displayed on th e consoles
and each of the destinations. You can time-stamp log messages or set the syslog sour ce ad dre ss to
enhance real-time debugging and management. For information on possi ble me ssag es, se e t he s yst em
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 viewing the logs on a syslog server or by accessing the
switch through Telnet or through the console port.