PRTG functions as a free syslog server
- Free syslog server for Windows
- Capture and analyze syslog messages
- Alerts in the event of syslog error messages and incidents
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Setting up a free syslog server with PRTG
i Syslog stands for System Logging Protocol and is a standard protocol used to send system log or event messages to a specific server, called a syslog server. It is primarily used to collect various device logs from several different machines in a central location for monitoring and review. The protocol is enabled on most network equipment such as routers, switches, firewalls, and even some printers and scanners. In addition, syslog is available on Unix and Linux based systems and many web servers including Apache. Read more ...
Option 1
As network monitoring software, PRTG lets you capture and monitor syslog messages. To do so, simply create a centralized Syslog Receiver Sensor in PRTG. This sensor captures and analyzes the contents of all the messages that are sent to PRTG. If an error occurs or your threshold values are exceeded, you’ll be notified at once. PRTG thus acts as your syslog server.
Option 2
Another possibility: first add each sender as a device, then install a Syslog Receiver Sensor in each of these new devices. With this option, you’ll put a lot less strain on your CPU. On the other hand, you’ll need more sensors for it to work. That means your 100 free sensors may not be enough for in-depth monitoring.
iWhat is a sensor?
In PRTG, “Sensors” are the basic monitoring elements. One sensor usually monitors one measured value in your network, e.g. the traffic of a switch port, the CPU load of a server, the free space of a disk drive. On average you need about 5-10 sensors per device or one sensor per switch port.
A sneak peek at PRTG as a syslog server
Syslog Receiver Sensor
Syslog Receiver in the PRTG Network Monitor
PRTG Sunburst view
Upon receiving syslog messages, PRTG displays all relevant information with regard to the message, including the IP address from which the message was sent, the time of the message, and the message itself.
PRTG also analyzes the severity level to check for potential emergencies. This level ranges from “0” (emergency) to “7” (debug). PRTG even reads and processes the facility code. As a result, you can immediately identify the type of message that was sent.
Free version
The free version of PRTG comes with all the software’s features and sensor types, and a maximum of 100 sensors. You’ll have no trouble using PRTG network monitoring software as a syslog server in Windows. Setting up your syslog monitoring is quick and easy. The PRTG alarm, notification system, and knowledge base are also included.
Fee-based version
Many IT managers use the free version to get a feel for PRTG. Afterwards, they select a license that is best suited for their network and networking needs – which include, among other things, the monitoring of hardware, servers, traffic, and cloud applications.
Is PRTG the right tool for you? It depends...
Scenario 1: You’d like to, but...
Many sysadmins would like to use a professional network monitoring tool but don’t have the budget to do so. Getting higher-ups to free up the necessary funds can be both time-consuming and stressful. Often it’s a whole lot easier just to use a free tool. PRTG makes this possible. It comes with 100 free sensors that never expire.
Scenario 2: Sometimes a small tool does the trick
Other sysadmins are in charge of relatively small networks. For them, PRTG might be a bit too much. Nevertheless, these sysadmins may discover that the free version, which can function as a Windows syslog server while offering sensors to spare, is the perfect solution.
Scenario 3: The home network
Ever sit at home in front of your computer and wonder how to set up a syslog server for your home network? You’re not alone. Many sysadmins also want reliable software for their homes. PRTG can be used as a syslog server for any network.
Keep a constant eye on your network
– even while on the go
PRTG can be started within minutes and it's compatible with many mobile devices.
Network availability
With the PRTG Ping Sensor, you can monitor the availability of all the hardware in your network. Servers, routers, switches, workstations…PRTG keeps an eye on everything. More on uptime monitoring with PRTG
Network bandwidth
How much traffic passes through your network? When and where do spikes in traffic occur? How does your traffic change over time? PRTG tells you all this and more. As a result, you can take all the necessary precautions to ensure your network is running at optimal capacity. More on bandwidth monitoring with PRTG
- Unlimited version of PRTG for 30 days
- After 30 days, PRTG reverts to a free version
- Or, you can upgrade to a paid license anytime
Your new syslog server is up and running, but you want more?
Convince your CTO with the following three reports
Downtime report
Is your network more up or down? This report is an absolute must, for whenever your network is down, productivity and sales suffer. More on uptime monitoring
Ports report
PRTG monitors both open and closed ports. Port monitoring plays a vital role in ensuring malware (such as Trojans) does not infiltrate your network. Without monitoring software, it’s next to impossible to keep an eye on all your open ports.
Top 10 Talkers report
What’s going on with the traffic in your network? In particular, which departments are generating the most? To find out, simply pull up the PRTG Top 10 Talkers report. PRTG provides real-time updates on the goings-on of your network – and promptly notifies you in the event of sudden and drastic changes.
Hey Gerald, I’d like to set up a syslog server with the free 100-sensor version of PRTG. Any tips?
“When you install PRTG, the Auto Discovery feature is launched automatically and creates a large number of sensors. You can use the PRTG multi-edit function to quickly delete most of these sensors. First of all, filter the sensors according to type. Then select all the sensors you don’t want and delete them in one fell swoop. The multi-edit function helps you save time whenever you wish to lighten up your monitoring.”
Gerald Schoch works as a technical editor at Paessler AG
PRTG improves the reliability of your network
PRTG saves network management costs
PRTG saves time spent on network management
Award winning solution
We work hard on making our software as powerful and easy-to-use
as possible for our customers each and every day.
Of course it makes us proud when we get awards for that.
By the way: PRTG is compatible with all the major manufacturers
Monitor Cisco devices
PRTG comes equipped with preconfigured sensors for Cisco devices. Use the IP SLA Sensor for VoIP applications, and the NetFlow and IPFIX sensors to monitor traffic. PRTG also captures the syslog files of Cisco devices. More on Cisco monitoring with PRTG
Monitor HP devices
Do you use HP servers, switches, or printers? PRTG reliably monitors all your HP hardware by way of SNMP sensors (among others). More on HP monitoring with PRTG
Monitor virtual environments
Hyper-V, VMware, Citrix...with PRTG, you get all the sensors you need to monitor your virtual environments. Above all, be sure to keep a close eye on your virtual servers.
Over 95% of our customers recommend PRTG
Paessler AG worldwide trialled PRTG in over 600 IT departments.
The aim was to tune the network monitoring software closer to the needs of the administrators.
The result of the survey: over 95% of the participants would recommend PRTG - or already had.
PAESSLER AG –
German quality engineering
Free Download
- Unlimited version of PRTG for 30 days
- After 30 days, PRTG reverts to a free version
- Or, you can upgrade to a paid license anytime
Most administrators want to test a tool for free before deciding to make an investment.
The many advantages of PRTG:
1. Free trial version: Take the time to explore PRTG so you can determine if it satisfies your needs and meets your expectations. Once the trial is over, it’s easy to upgrade your already configured version of PRTG, which means you’re much less likely to make an incorrect purchase.
2. One tool, one overview: Administrators often use a variety of monitoring solutions for their network or for the individual components of their infrastructure. But using several different tools every time you want to create an overview costs time and energy. PRTG is an “all-in-one” solution. Our dashboard and app provide a comprehensive overview, whenever you want it.
3. Quick customer support: Got a question? Stuck on a problem and need a hand? PRTG is backed by a dedicated development and support team. We do our utmost to answer every customer inquiry within 24 hours (on business days). Browse all our support topics here.
Configure your PRTG today. The trial version is free of charge. Save time, worry, and money with our monitoring tool designed for your network and entire infrastructure.
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PRTG |
Network Monitoring Software - Version 18.4.47.1962 (December 11th, 2018) |
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