Quick Answer
The answer is local7, facility code 23, as defined by RFC 3164 for Cisco IOS syslog messages. This default is specified because RFC 3164 reserves local0 through local7 for site-specific use, and Cisco chose local7 to avoid conflicts with standard operating system facilities like mail or kernel. On the Cisco CCNP ENARSI 300-410 exam, this concept tests your understanding of syslog architecture and the ability to differentiate between facility codes, often appearing in troubleshooting or configuration scenarios where you must identify why logs are being filtered or misdirected. A common trap is confusing local7 with local0 or assuming the default is kern; remember that Cisco defaults to the highest local code (7) to keep its messages separate from other network services. The memory tip is simple: think "Cisco's last resort is local7"—just as 7 is the last local facility number, it’s the default fallback for all IOS logging.
This 300-410 practice question tests your understanding of network logging and syslog. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
According to RFC 3164, which facility code is used by default for Cisco IOS syslog messages?
Local0
Why wrong: Local0 is not the default; it is local7.
Local7
Cisco IOS defaults to facility local7 for syslog messages.
User
Why wrong: User is a facility code but not the default for Cisco.
Syslog
Why wrong: Syslog is not a facility code; it is the protocol name.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Local7
RFC 3164 defines facility codes. Cisco IOS uses local7 (facility 23) as the default for syslog messages, though this can be changed with the 'logging facility' command.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Local0
Why it's wrong here
Local0 is not the default; it is local7.
Local7
Why this is correct
Cisco IOS defaults to facility local7 for syslog messages.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
User
Why it's wrong here
User is a facility code but not the default for Cisco.
Syslog
Why it's wrong here
Syslog is not a facility code; it is the protocol name.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the 300-410 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Network Logging and Syslog — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Network Logging and Syslog — This question tests Network Logging and Syslog — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Local7 — RFC 3164 defines facility codes. Cisco IOS uses local7 (facility 23) as the default for syslog messages, though this can be changed with the 'logging facility' command.
Identify which 300-410 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 300-410 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 300-410 exam.
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