DCC and networking for Model Railroads

DCC and networking for Model Railroads... XpressNet seems an interesting RS485 way of network controllers and automation together.
http://www.dccwiki.com/XpressNet
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/hardware/XPressNet/index.shtml

And here is some overall information about DCC aka Digital Command Control
http://www.sodigi.com/What_Is_DCC.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Command_Control

And one can get books like "DCC Projects" at library or various online booksellers.