I need some hardware based startup ideas
chopsueyar: RJ-45 to USB converter.  More specifically, it would be two separate connectors, each with a female RJ-45 port.  Just add the proper length of cable you need, and bam, instant USB cable.  Not sure of the signaling issues, but you are an EE, and if they can make it work with HDMI over CAT6, it should be viable.