Configuring syslog in Aruba AOS10

Want better network monitoring? Set up syslog in Aruba AOS10. Here's what you'll learn in this guide:

• Syslog Basics: Logs are categorized by facilities (e.g., Network, Security) and severity levels (Emergency to Debug).
• LogCentral Integration: A secure, GDPR-compliant platform for storing, analyzing, and managing logs.
• Setup Steps: Configure syslog servers, assign logging levels (e.g., Security = Alert, Network = Notice), and secure traffic with encryption.
• Advanced Options: Fine-tune facilities like AP-Debug, optimize log storage, and troubleshoot issues with CLI commands.
• Testing: Verify log transmission using dashboards or LogCentral's real-time tools.

This guide ensures your Aruba AOS10 logs are organized, secure, and actionable for better network management.

System Requirements

Compatible Hardware and Software

Aruba AOS10 requires specific hardware and firmware compatibility for Aruba Access Points running AOS10. The system supports the following syslog facilities:

• Core: Network, Security, System, Wireless
• Debug: AP-Debug, User-Debug
• General: User, Syslog Level

Each Access Point (AP) must have a stable network connection and the appropriate firmware to forward syslog messages. Ensure your syslog server is set up to manage these logs securely and effectively.

Syslog Server Requirements

When setting up your syslog server, keep these key requirements in mind:

• Network: Use a static IP address that Aruba APs can reliably access.
• Storage: Allocate enough space to meet compliance standards.
• Processing: Ensure the server has adequate CPU and memory to handle multiple logs simultaneously.
• Security: Use encrypted transmission for secure log handling.

If you're using LogCentral as your syslog server, it offers built-in features tailored to these needs, along with some additional advantages:

Make sure the server is configured to log all severity levels:

Syslog Configuration Steps

Login Methods

To get started, open your browser, enter your device's IP address, and log in using administrator credentials. Once you're in, you can begin configuring the syslog settings.

Basic Setup

Follow these steps to set up your syslog server and logging parameters:

• Access the Configuration Panel

  • Filter to a Microbranch group that includes at least one access point.
  • Go to Manage > Devices > Access Points.
  • Click the Config icon.
  • Navigate to System > External Integration.

• Configure Server Settings
  In the Logging section, input your syslog server's IP address. For those using LogCentral, you can find this information in the server settings section of the LogCentral dashboard. Ensure UDP port 514 is open on your network.

• Set Logging Levels
  Adjust the logging levels for each facility based on your monitoring requirements:

  Facility	Recommended Level	Use Case
  Syslog Level	Notice	General system events
  Network	Warning	Network-related issues
  Security	Alert	Security incidents
  System	Warning	System status changes
  Wireless	Notice	WiFi-related events

  Don’t forget to save your configuration after making these changes.

For more precise control, you can tweak additional options in the Advanced Settings section.

Advanced Settings

Fine-tune your syslog setup with these advanced options:

• Facility Configuration
  Each facility serves a specific purpose:

  • AP-Debug: For detailed troubleshooting.
  • User-Debug: Tracks user authentication and authorization.
  • Network: Logs connection and routing events.
  • Security: Focuses on access control and threat detection.
  • System: Handles core system operations.
  • Wireless: Monitors WiFi operations and client connectivity.

• Log Level Optimization
  Choose log levels based on how much detail you need and the impact on storage. Here's a quick guide:

  Log Level	Storage Impact	Best Use Case
  Emergency	Minimal	System failures only
  Critical	Low	Hardware or severe issues
  Warning	Moderate	Potential or minor problems
  Debug	High	In-depth troubleshooting

  If you're using LogCentral, take advantage of its automated log rotation feature to manage storage efficiently.

Testing and Problem Solving

Status Check on AOS10

Use these tools to confirm your syslog configuration:

System Status Dashboard
Go to Manage > Devices > Access Points > Monitoring > System. Look for a green 'Syslog Status' checkmark to confirm logging is active.

Command Line Verification
Run the following CLI commands to check your settings:

show logging

show logging buffer

show logging level

Once you've verified the system status, move on to checking log transmission.

Log Reception Check

After confirming your configuration, ensure logs are being received by following these steps:

• Monitor Real-time Logs

  • Open LogCentral and go to the "Live Log View" dashboard.
  • Filter logs using your Aruba device's IP address.
  • Check for incoming messages within the last 5 minutes.

• Create Test Events

  • Simulate a test event, like toggling an interface (shutdown/up).
  • Check LogCentral for the corresponding log entry.
  • Confirm that the timestamp and facility details are accurate.

Common Issues and Fixes

If issues arise during testing, here are some common problems and solutions:

Network Connectivity Problems

• Ensure proper routing between the Aruba device and the syslog server.
• Check VPN or NAT settings if logs aren’t transmitting.

Configuration Mismatches

• Double-check all configuration details.
• Confirm facility levels align with your requirements.
• Verify that timezone settings are consistent across devices.

Storage and Performance

• Monitor LogCentral's storage usage, especially if you're on the Light plan.
• Adjust log rotation settings to avoid disk space issues.
• Reduce facility levels if you're receiving an overwhelming number of logs.

To maintain uninterrupted logging, whitelist your Aruba device's IP in LogCentral's firewall settings. Additionally, LogCentral's 24/7 monitoring can track log reception patterns and help pinpoint disruptions in the logging process.

Recommended Setup Guidelines

Log Level Configuration

Set up logging levels to balance effective monitoring with system resource usage. Adjust facility levels based on your monitoring needs:

For LogCentral integration:

• Configure Security and System facilities at higher severity levels for faster notifications.
• Set Network and User to Notice/Information for routine monitoring.
• Keep Debug at Error level during standard operations.

After setting up log levels, focus on securing the log traffic with specific measures.

Traffic Security

Protect your syslog transmissions by following these steps:

• Network Segmentation: Set up a dedicated VLAN for syslog traffic between Aruba devices and LogCentral.
• Transport Encryption: Use TLS encryption on LogCentral's port 6514 to secure data in transit.
• Access Control: Apply firewall rules to ensure only authorized Aruba devices can send syslog traffic to LogCentral.

Central Log Management

Once log levels are configured and traffic is secured, LogCentral consolidates your Aruba AOS10 logs with advanced features:

Retention and Compliance

• Store logs in a GDPR-compliant manner with customizable retention periods.
• Automate log rotation to manage storage efficiently.
• Utilize a secure, multi-tenant architecture for added protection.

Monitoring and Analysis

• Access real-time visualizations of log data.
• Set up pattern-based alerts for proactive issue detection.
• Continuously monitor system health for better reliability.

Integration Features

• Supports Aruba AOS10 log formats natively.
• Automatically categorizes events for easier troubleshooting.
• Implements role-based access control to manage user permissions.

Enable alerts for critical facilities and design custom dashboards to track important metrics. LogCentral's smart IP management links events across your Aruba setup, giving you clear network insights while enhancing overall visibility.

Summary

To get the most out of syslog in Aruba AOS10, focus on these key configuration steps. Proper setup ensures logs are collected, secured, and efficiently managed.

Key Configuration Steps:

• Set up the server with the correct IP address.
• Configure facility levels for categories like Security, System, Network, and User.

When using syslog with LogCentral, you can tap into advanced features that improve your Aruba AOS10 experience: