Tetchnikal Advice Needed

[cheshirenoir]

So our network is growing damned fast. STUFF is happening in there where I can't see it. The whole network is built up around basic switches connected by Gigabit in a linear topology.

I want to increase my control and management of this network. Now can I buy a "smart" switch to sit in the middle and connect all my Gigabit connections to it? What products would people suggest? I have some ideas but I don't want to have my preconceptions get in the way.

Clearly something simple to manage would be preferred, so there'd have to be a really good reason for someone to suggest something like "A Linux Box with magic doodad card X in it"

Anyone?