Configure syslog server

Introduction to Syslog Server

A Syslog server provides a central platform where the network devices can send event messages. It collects, parses, logs, and reports on the log data for easier viewing. Configuring a syslog server in the Azure Stack Hub enables seamless log management and monitoring.

Understanding Azure Stack Hub Syslog Configuration

Azure Stack Hub uses Linux based syslog server configuration. Azure Stack Operators can enable Log Collection where these log files will be stored for 30 days. During this period, you can download and review these logs to gain insights into system activity and troubleshoot system issues.

Step 1: Enable Log Collection

To enable the collection of the logs, the operator has to generate a log collection request using either the Azure Stack Hub user portal or Azure Stack Hub operator PowerShell.

Syslog Server Configuration on Azure Stack Hub

The general steps for configuring a syslog server in Azure Stack Hub are as follows:

1. Access your Azure Stack Hub Portal.
2. In the portal, navigate to the ‘Region management’ page.
3. In the ‘Support + troubleshooting’ section, click on ‘Log Collection’.
4. In the ‘Log Collection’ blade, click ‘Start Collection’.
5. Enter the details, such as duration of the collection, and if you are only interested in logs following a particular timestamp, enter the start date and time.
6. Click on ‘OK’ to start the log collection.

The new log collection runs in the portal and packages logs into a zip file. Note that the log collection cannot run for more than 12 hours per request, and only one log collection request can run at a time.

Step 2: Download Logs

Once the collection is complete, proceed to download the logs.

1. In the Azure Stack Hub user portal, under the ‘Log Collection’ blade, click ‘Successful’.
2. Click on ‘Download Logs’.
3. Save the logs.zip file onto your local machine.

Your downloaded logs will now contain syslog files made up of text files. They are typically organized per corresponding area, like Storage, Networking, etc., and per timestamp.

Configuring Syslog Server for External Log Routing

One key advantage of a syslog server is the ability to route logs to an external server for long-term storage and analysis. This is crucial for Azure Stack Hub as its local storage is limited to a 30-day retention period.

To accomplish this, you will need to prepare your external syslog server. Make sure the syslog server is reachable from Azure Stack Hub and has enough storage to accommodate the logs. The steps could be slightly different depending on the type of syslog server, like Rsyslog, Syslog-ng, etc.

Once the external syslog server is ready, you can now configure Azure Stack Hub to send logs to the syslog server. Here’s how to do this using Azure Stack Hub Operator PowerShell:

# Log in to Azure Stack
Login-AzAccount -Environment
# Configure Azure Stack to send logs to syslog server
$SyslogServerIP = ""
Set-AzsSyslogForwarding -SyslogServerIP $SyslogServerIP -SyslogServerPort 514


The above PowerShell commands will configure your Azure Stack Hub to forward logs to your syslog server.

Conclusion

The Azure Stack Hub provides a comprehensive Logging feature that, when combined with a Syslog server, can greatly increase your ability to manage, troubleshoot and investigate issues in your Azure Stack Hub. Remember that configuring a syslog server is just one aspect of managing logs in Azure Stack Hub – you must regularly review and analyze these logs to gain insights into system activity, and most importantly, ensure that everything is running smoothly. This is a critical part of preparing for “AZ-600 Configuring and Operating a Hybrid Cloud with Microsoft Azure Stack Hub”.

Practice Test

True or False: Syslog servers are used for data aggregation and computer event logging.

• True
• False

Correct Answer: True

Explanation: Syslog servers are designed to receive logs from various servers and store them in a single place. This makes it easier to manage and monitor the logs.

The default port for syslog is:

• A) 443
• B) 514
• C) 22
• D) 8080

Correct Answer: B) 514

Explanation: By default, syslog uses UDP port 514 for communication.

True or False: Installing and configuring a syslog server is the same process regardless of the operating system or software used.

• True
• False

Correct Answer: False

Explanation: The process for installing and configuring a syslog server differs based on the operating system (e.g. Linux, Windows) and the software (e.g. rsyslog, syslog-ng) used.

True or False: Syslog only supports UDP for event transport.

• True
• False

Correct Answer: False

Explanation: While traditionally Syslog used UDP, it can also support TCP for transporting event data.

The Event Log and syslog systems in Azure Stack Hub can be integrated:

• A) Only manually
• B) Only automatically
• C) Either manually or automatically
• D) Neither manually nor automatically

Correct Answer: C) Either manually or automatically

Explanation: The integration of Event Log and syslog system in Azure Stack Hub can be done either manually or automatically after appropriate configurations.

Which of the following is a benefit of configuring a syslog server? Select all that apply.

• A) Centralizes log data
• B) Facilitates real-time log processing
• C) Reduces storage capacity
• D) Supports data analysis and reporting

Correct Answer: A) Centralizes log data, B) Facilitates real-time log processing, D) Supports data analysis and reporting

Explanation: Centralizing log data, facilitating real-time log processing, and supporting data analysis and reporting are all benefits of configuring a syslog server. However, a configured syslog server does not reduce storage capacity.

True or False: The message format for syslog is strictly defined and cannot be altered.

• True
• False

Correct Answer: False

Explanation: The syslog message format isn’t strictly defined, allowing some flexibility depending on the needs of the system.

Which protocol is commonly used to send data to the syslog server on Azure stack Hub?

• A) HTTP
• B) FTP
• C) SSH
• D) TLS

Correct Answer: D) TLS

Explanation: Logs sent to the syslog server are typically secured by using the TLS (Transport Layer Security) protocol.

True or False: You cannot send system logs from Azure Stack Hub to a remote syslog server.

• True
• False

Correct Answer: False

Explanation: You can send system logs from Azure Stack Hub to a remote syslog server, which allows for centralized log management and analysis.

Azure Stack Hub’s long-term syslog solution retention period is:

• A) 3 days
• B) 30 days
• C) 3 months
• D) As long as necessary

Correct Answer: B) 30 days

Explanation: The retention period for Azure Stack Hub’s long-term syslog solution is 30 days.

Interview Questions

What is the main function of a syslog server in Azure Stack Hub?

A syslog server in Azure Stack Hub is used for receiving and consolidating events data and logs generated by network devices across different locations.

Where can you find configuration details for syslog server in Azure Stack Hub Administrative portal?

Configuration details for a syslog server can be found in the System-Wide Settings in the Azure Stack Hub Administrative portal.

How does Azure Stack Hub communicate with the syslog server?

Azure Stack Hub communicates with a syslog server by pushing the logs and events through a secure network connection.

On which port does syslog server in Azure Stack Hub communicate?

The syslog server communicates via port 514 by typically using UDP but it can also use TCP if configured.

Which type of log sources can be forwarded and processed by a syslog server in Azure Stack Hub?

Log sources such as kernel logs, system logs, and application logs can be forwarded and processed by a syslog server in Azure Stack Hub.

How do you specify the destination for logs within the Azure Stack Hub?

You can use the Azure Stack Hub administrator portal to specify the syslog server IP address and the destination port as a destination of logs.

Can the Syslog server in Azure Stack Hub be used without an active Internet connection?

Yes, the syslog server in Azure Stack Hub can be used in both online and offline scenarios.

Can the syslog server process and forward logs from other devices apart from Azure Stack Hub?

Yes, the syslog server can process and forward logs from devices other than Azure Stack Hub, including routers, switches, and other servers.

Which security layer is recommended when configuring a syslog with Azure Stack Hub?

TLS (Transport Layer Security) is recommended in a syslog server configuration for enhanced security.

Can Azure Stack Hub forward logs to more than one syslog server?

No, Azure Stack Hub is currently limited to forwarding logs to a single syslog server.

Once the syslog server settings are configured on Azure Stack Hub, can these settings be changed?

Yes, Syslog server settings can be changed post-configuration from the Azure Stack Hub admin portal.

Which protocol is used by the Azure Stack Hub to forward Infrastructure Backup data to a syslog server?

Azure Stack Hub uses the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) to forward infrastructure backup data to a syslog server.

Apart from the syslog server, where else are the logs stored in Azure Stack Hub?

Along with the syslog server, logs in Azure Stack Hub are also locally stored in the Infrastructure Backup Service.

What is the recommended syslog bundle size limit for Azure Stack Hub?

The recommended syslog bundle size limit, dependent on the syslog server’s capabilities, but it is generally 1MB.

What role does time synchronization play in the operation of a syslog server in Azure Stack Hub?

Time synchronization is crucial for the accurate timestamping of log entries. Without it, troubleshooting and event tracing can become more challenging due to incorrect time labelling.