Syslog — System Logging Protocol
Definition
A standard protocol for sending log messages from devices (servers, routers, firewalls) to a centralized log collector.
Context & Usage
Syslog originated on Unix systems but is now universal. Default UDP port 514 (less reliable); modern deployments use TCP port 6514 with TLS. Centralized log collectors (rsyslog, syslog-ng, Splunk, Elastic Stack) aggregate logs from hundreds of devices for security monitoring, compliance auditing, and troubleshooting.
Examples
- Cisco "logging host 10.1.1.50" for syslog forwarding
- rsyslog forwarding to Splunk collector
Looking for Syslog hardware?
Pro Disk Network stocks enterprise IT hardware spanning every category. Email sales@prodisknetwork.com with your requirements for a quote.