Late spring to early summer, 3Com will be implementing all but the packet capture and filter groups, which is upgradable by flash update. For those looking for simple looks into traffic trends and chatty workstations, these seven groups will suffice. However, to be a complete diagnostic tool, the LinkSwitch could use support for the packet capture group. For that type of support, you will need to step up to 3Com enterprise lines. But that type of hardware will cost you quite a bit more.
All basic configuration is performed via a simple terminal emulator.
From there, we pointed our AXON LanServant Manager at the LinkSwitch and watched traffic trends. Needed but not currently included, the HostTopN group will be added shortly. The HostTopN group allows for a quick glance to see the top N number of bandwidth users on that segment. Though the LinkSwitch is a major breakthrough in cost for switches, it still does not fill many higher-end needs and remains a workgroup switch. Products from vendors like Cray cost a lot more, but offer everything you need from a switch.