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Logging ToolsMessage Logging
16-2
365-360-001R6.0
Issue 1, December 2008
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As shown in the example, the contents of a log message contains the following:
• Timestamp
The time the server logs the message. By default, the timestamp includes the date and
time in the following format:
YYYY/MM/DD HH:MM:SS.mmm
where mmm represents milliseconds.
For example: 2005/02/24 09:10:57.760
• Area
The functional area of the 8950 AAA software that generated the message. Usually,
this information follows the timestamp and is contained within angle brackets (< >).
For example: <nr.setup>
• Level
The log level of the message. The log level defines the severity of the action that
triggered the message. For example (NOTICE).
Refer to the table below for a list of 8950 AAA log levels.
• Message
The actual message the server logs when the action occurs.
Messages are logged by 8950 AAA when specific conditions are met. These conditions
may be tied to the occurrence of a small set of common request processing actions
(request accept, request reject, etc.), or to custom user defined conditions. Log messages
may also be generated by instructions in a PolicyFlow program. By default, messages are
logged to a text file named policy.log. This file can be located within your run directory.
Important! Logging and Performance. While logging is essential to good server
management, it can also have a negative impact on system performance. As a general
rule you should try to log the minimum number of messages possible that will yield
the level of log detail you require for your operations.
Logging Tools
About Logging Tools
The Logging Tools Section of the Navigation Pane provides three panels for controlling
server log message output, as listed in Figure 16-1.
• The Server Log Messages panel controls a set of log messages keyed to the common
request processing actions.
• The Log Channels panel manages the destinations available for 8950 AAA log
message output.