I will look into the treeview. I'm not sure I am following, but a point in the right direction is always helpful. I thought it would be easier to store the port info on the boxnumber side. in this case, there is only the switchIP and the port (2 more fields). When I wanted to find them, I just did a query of the boxnumbers based on the switchIP, and I got my list. But some switches 'host' for others, and they would not exist in the boxnumber table. I would need to be able to define where they plug into, and in that case, I would more need the "connection" (be in a boxnumber or a port on another switch) to be stored with the switch... I know what I am kind of looking for, and it still sounds confusing to me...

Unfortunately, I have taught myself all I know about access, vba, SQL and visio, basically through trial and error, and hammering through pet projects. I am pleased with where I am, but doubt it was the most efficient way to do it... There are a lot of posts on books to read, but I would prefer a teacher/tutor to sound of ideas on. Books rarely talk back....
(ramble ramble)

Thanks again John.