but every feature has its cost in complexity and resources to build and maintain. resources are finite and complexity has super-linear cost. so i would much prefer that the vendors concentrate on the features *i* want <g>. and i am quite skeptical of features which non-paying non-customers want.

Agreed. However, in this case it matches a fature I've wanted for years. Being able to mirror packets to a different port is pretty common for managed switches, and is rather useful sometimes in tracking abuse and similar. I *want* the same capability for my routers. Steinar Haug, Nethelp consulting, sthaug@nethelp.no