SNMP Trap vs Syslog – Whats the

Difference?
GUIDES

IT admins use either Syslog or SNMP traps for monitoring purposes.

Both standards provide very similar monitoring information but through different
functionalities.

Summary of Each:
Syslog works more as a troubleshooting tool and is used when logs are needed for an
investigation. Although you can use Syslog for real-time feeds, it is often only used for
quick historical events.

SNMP Traps, on the other hand, works on device-based events. It provides real-time
information and allows for better management.

In most cases and depending on the requirements using a combination of both is the
best solution. For more detailed information about the differences, keep reading!
What is Syslog?

Syslog is a message logging protocol for exchanging logs of different severities from
multiple devices.

Its layered architecture is formed by three components, the Syslog device, which
generates the logs, the Syslog relay which forwards the logs to a collector, and
the Syslog collector (or server), which receives and stores the logs.

The format of each log includes timestamps, host IP addresses, event message,
severity, diagnostics, and more. Syslog allows selecting the type of information that is
captured.

These logs can be anything from ACL events, configuration changes, authentication
attempts, etc.

Syslog primary functionality: Gather logs for troubleshooting and monitoring.

What is SNMP Traps?

SNMP Traps is one of the five (Trap, Get, Get-Next, Get-Response, Set), event
message types used by SNMP.

The SNMP Traps are generated by an SNMP-enabled device (the agent) and sent to a
collector (the manager).

The SNMP Trap informs the SNMP manager in real-time when an important event
happened.

The SNMP trap uses thresholds configured at the agent. When a threshold is crossed at
the agent, the SNMP trap is triggered and sent to the manager.

SNMP traps send data using the numeric OIDs which are translated using SNMP MIBs
(Management Information Bases).

The SNMP Traps are not requested by the SNMP manager. The SNMP Get message
can be used (wich additional software) to poll information from the agent.

SNMP Traps primary functionality: Collect events in real-time for management and
monitoring.
Syslog vs SNMP Traps
Similarities between Syslog and SNMP traps:

 Both are alert messages generated from a remote device and sent to a central
collector.
 Both provide similar “monitoring” information.
 Both function on demand and are not solicited.

Differences between Syslog and SNMP traps:

Protocol Messages Severity Ports Security Functionality

Centralized Level 0 – No authentication Troubleshooting and

Syslog UDP 514
Logs 7 mechanisms Monitoring.

SNMP Real-time UDP 161 Better through Management and

N/A
Traps Traps and 162 SNMPv3 Monitoring.

 Overall, the SNMP protocol defines methods for remote monitoring and
configuration through other types of messages. Syslog is just an alerting
mechanism (same as SNMP traps); it does not define any standard for remote
configuration.

 Syslog provides more granular information in the logging messages. Although

it is not the standard, Syslog is often used for troubleshooting and debugging,
and SNMP traps for device management and reporting.

 Syslog Messages vs. SNMP MIB requests: SNMP Get requests messages
can be used for polling from agents using the local MIB. Syslog can’t be used
to poll information.