$2.)$ Part of communications systems involves energy management systems $($EMS$).$ EMS systems can be activated via on$-$site means such as direct from the keypad for the EMS or remotely via the 'Net. These EMS in an office building for example or in a home in the form of "smart home" systems can be very useful for controlling$/$reducing energy costs. Therefore you could be at work and realize that you forgot to tum the thermostat down to an "away" setting and correct this remotely from your work office computer or via your smart phone. As an example, with thermostat set$-$back monitoring$/$control$,$ a facilities manager at a large university campus in Michigan a few years back told me that they calculated every degree saving in energy as a savings of $$1$ million per month for the university during the winter heating season. So these are some of the benefits of an EMS at an office building or as part of a "smart home system." What do you see as any disadvantages?? Or do you see any other advantages?? Any issues$/$benefits with remote access could be a part of this analysis.