I just read Richard's article on the basics of computer networking, and it is a great overview of network terms and what they mean--I'm going to print it out and post it in the shop so all of our guys on the floor can read it.  I highly recommend that if you aren't familiar with gigabit switches and MAC addresses, you take 5 minutes and go through this article.

We're starting to see fixtures that take direct ethernet cable (finally) and anyone dealing with installations knows…