Syslog - System Logging Protocol

What is Syslog?

Syslog is a standard protocol used for message logging. It allows network devices and systems to send log or event messages to a centralized server for monitoring and storage.

Why is Syslog useful?

Syslog is useful because it centralizes logging from various systems and devices, enabling administrators to monitor events, detect issues, audit activity, and troubleshoot problems efficiently from one location.

How it works?

Devices and applications generate log messages and send them to a Syslog server (also called a Syslog collector) over the network. The server receives, stores, and possibly filters or analyzes the logs. Messages are typically classified by severity and facility codes.

Where is Syslog used?

Syslog is used across IT infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, Linux/Unix servers, applications, and some Windows systems, especially in enterprise and service provider environments for centralized log management.

Which OSI layer does this protocol belong to?

Syslog operates at the Application Layer (Layer 7) of the OSI model.

Is Syslog Windows specific?

No, Syslog is not Windows specific. While not native to Windows, Syslog support can be added via third-party tools or services to forward Windows Event Logs.

Is Syslog Linux specific?

No, Syslog is not Linux specific, but it is natively supported and widely used in Linux and Unix-based systems through services like rsyslog, syslog-ng, and journald.

Which Transport Protocol is used by Syslog?

Syslog can use UDP (default), TCP, or even TLS for secure transport, depending on the implementation and configuration.

Which Port is used by Syslog?

  • UDP port 514 is the default for Syslog messages.

  • TCP port 514 is sometimes used for reliable transmission.

  • TCP port 6514 is used when Syslog messages are sent securely over TLS (RFC 5425).

Is Syslog using client-server model?

Yes, Syslog uses a client-server model where Syslog clients (devices or applications) send log messages to a Syslog server (collector), which stores or processes the messages.

Topics in this section,

  • In this section, you are going to learn

  • Terminology

  • Version Info

  • rfc details

  • setup

  • setup

  • packet details

  • usecases

  • features

  • Reference links