Methods and systems for remote management of networked devices

A communications system comprising:

• a communications network;
• a powered copper network;
• and
• a remote device comprising:
• a device unit having a communications network interface;
• and
• a management module in communication with the device unit and connected to the powered copper network;
• wherein the management module operates a management communications channel over the powered copper network and receives power from the powered copper network.

A method of managing a remote device, wherein the remote device comprises:

• a device unit having a communications network interface;
• a management module in communication with the device unit, the management module being connectable to a powered copper network;
• and wherein the management module operates a management communications channel over the powered copper network and receives power from the powered copper network;
• the method comprising:
• monitoring the remote device from a management station physically remote from the remote device, wherein the management station communicates with the remote device via both the powered copper network and a communications network;
• and
• in response to a failure of the communications network, continuing monitoring via the powered copper network.