Past Logs
This document provides a simple overview of the Past Logs feature for Provider Edge (PE) devices. This feature is vital for network analysis and system diagnostics, offering historical data for a selected PE device.
The Past Logs feature allows retrieval, filtering, and viewing of historical events and activities on a selected PE device. It helps network administrators analyze trends, troubleshoot intermittent issues, and review system behavior over time. The logs are categorized into System Logs and Flow Logs.
See the PE Live Logs documentation for information on real-time log monitoring. The basic fields, options, and methods for filtering and viewing logs are similar across both log features.
Link to PE Live Logs Documentation: PE Live Logs Document
Key Concepts of PE Past Logs
Below are the key aspects of using the Past Logs feature for PE devices:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To retrieve and analyze historical activities and events on a selected PE device. |
| Log Categories | System Logs (device operations, errors) and Flow Logs (traffic and connectivity data). |
| Use Cases | Post-mortem analysis of failures, auditing configurations, and reviewing past network activity. |
| Access Path | Login → PE Devices → Select PE Device → Past Logs |
| Submit: | Define a time range and log type (System or Flow) and click Retrieve to load the data. |
| Filtering | Apply various filters (e.g., Date, Process, Process ID, Message content) to narrow down the retrieved logs. |
Basic Process for Viewing Past Logs
Follow the steps below to access and filter the historical logs of a PE device:
- Accessing Past Logs: Navigate to the Past Logs tab within your PE device's management interface.
- Defining Parameters: Specify the date and time range to analyze and select the required Log Type (System or Flow).
- Submit: Click the Submit button to fetch the historical log entries from the device or server.
- Applying Filters: Use the available filter options to focus on specific events, errors, or flows relevant to your analysis.
Important Notes for Users
- Historical data only: Past Logs display previously recorded events. For real-time monitoring, use the PE Live Logs feature.
- Time-range dependent results: The logs retrieved depend on the selected date and time range. If no data appears, try expanding the time window.
- Log retention policy applies: Available logs may be limited based on the system’s retention policy or storage configuration.
- Filters improve accuracy: Use filters like Process, Process ID, or Message text to quickly locate specific events instead of scanning all logs manually.