Systems and methods consistent with the present invention connect a remote device to a IEEE 1394-based network through an intervening telephone line, thereby enabling the remote device to recognize, discover and control devices on the IEEE 1394-based network. A protocol repeater converts signals on the telephone line into signals understood by the IEEE 1394-based network. The protocol repeater preferably is transparent to the remote device so the remote device thinks that it is directly connected to the 1394-based network.