Abstract: Several systems and method for remotely monitoring a communication system are disclosed. An RF signal received at a remote facility is analyzed at the remote facility and an ancillary data signal including information relation to at least one characteristic of the RF signal is generated. The ancillary data signal is modulated and combined with the RF signal. The combined RF signal is transmitted to a local facility in an optical form, where the ancillary data signal is recovered. An ancillary data signal block provides control signal in response to the local ancillary data signal. The control signals may be local control signals for controlling local devices or remote control signals for controlling devices at the remote facility. The ancillary data may include a power level of the RF signal and a version of the RF signal may be generated at the local facility with a power level approximately equal to the power level of the original RF signal.