Abstract: A distance assistance system including a plurality of remote locations connected to a central location through a network, wherein an operator at the central location selects a particular remote location to monitor. Each remote location includes a number of video cameras, the video signals generated by the video cameras is transported through the network to the central location and allows the operator to visually monitor in real time the remote location. Each remote location also includes a number of audio transceivers, allowing the operator at the central location to monitor real time audio information from the remote site, as well as communicate verbally in real time with representatives located at the remote site.