CHAPTER
 
26-1
Catalyst 2950 and Catalyst 2955 Switch Software Configuration Guide
78-11380-12
26
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, see the Cisco IOS 
Configuration Fundamentals Command Reference, Release 12.1.
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 your 
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 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 timestamp log messages or set the syslog source address to enhance 
real-time debugging and management. For information on possible messages, see 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.