An improved LED lighting system is provided for overhead ceiling lighting, as well as for other uses. The LED lighting system comprises elongated linear lamps having an LED luminary as a source of illumination and configured to operate as a node of an automated networked lighting system. The linear LED lamps include an interface connector operable to connect to a data network to receive control data and power signals from an external device connected to the network for use in powering LED emitters and controlling one or more operational characteristics of the linear LED lamps. The system includes support connector assemblies for securing the linear LED lamps to a channel member of an overhead dropped ceiling grid.