How to Configure Syslog on Cisco

Last updated: 19-12-2025

Syslog on Cisco

In the field of network management, configuring syslog on Cisco devices is essential for effective monitoring, troubleshooting, and security. This guide provides an in-depth look at syslog configuration on Cisco devices.

Syslog Configuration on Cisco Devices

Below is the syslog configuration:

Network(config)# logging on
Network(config)# logging host Syslog_Server_IP
Network(config)# service timestamps log datetime localtime
Network(config)# service timestamps debug datetime localtime
Network(config)# logging trap 0
Network(config)# logging trap 1
Network(config)# logging trap 2
Network(config)# logging trap 3
Network(config)# logging trap 4
Network(config)# logging trap 5
Network(config)# logging trap 6

This configuration accomplishes several key tasks:

  1. Enabling Logging: logging on enables logging functionality on the device.
  2. Defining Syslog Server: logging host Syslog_Server_IP specifies the IP address of the syslog server.
  3. Timestamp Configuration: service timestamps log datetime localtime and service timestamps debug datetime localtime add local date and time to log messages.
  4. Setting Severity Levels: logging trap <severity-level> enables logging for severity levels 0–6.

Understanding Severity Levels

  • Emergency (0): System unusable
  • Alert (1): Immediate action required
  • Critical (2): Critical conditions
  • Error (3): Error conditions
  • Warning (4): Warning conditions
  • Notice (5): Normal but significant events
  • Informational (6): Informational messages
  • Debugging (7): Debug-level messages

SNMP Configuration for Syslog Traps

To enable SNMP traps for syslog events, use the following command:

snmp-server enable traps syslog

This command allows the router to generate SNMP traps for syslog messages, which can be forwarded to an SNMP monitoring system.

Conclusion

Configuring syslog on Cisco devices is essential for effective network management. By defining syslog servers, setting severity levels, and enabling SNMP traps, administrators gain improved visibility, faster troubleshooting, and stronger network security.